EducationQuest Foundation

February is Financial Aid Month
EducationQuest has online tools to help with FAFSA filing process

(LINCOLN, Nebraska, January 29, 2009) – February is Financial Aid Month and EducationQuest Foundation wants college-bound Nebraskans to understand the financial aid application process.

If you plan to attend college during the 2009-2010 academic year, it's time to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - the application for federal, state and college-based financial aid. Those who should file the FAFSA include college-bound high school seniors, current college students, and college-bound adults.

Some colleges have a March 1 FAFSA priority filing date, which is why February is such a critical month in the financial aid process. To determine the priority date at a specific college, contact the school's financial aid office.

Complete and file the FAFSA electronically at fafsa.ed.gov. If you're prepared, the process will go smoothly. Visit EducationQuest.org for free tools to help you prepare including:

  • "Guide to College Funding" video – explains the financial aid process and the FAFSA
  • FAFSA Checklist – provides a list of items you need to gather before completing the FAFSA
  • FAFSA Tutorial – provides user-friendly clarification of each FAFSA question
  • Podcasts – explain the FAFSA - and how to prepare

If you need help, call EducationQuest to make an appointment or to receive help over the phone. EducationQuest, a nonprofit organization that provides free college-planning services, is located in Kearney (800.666.3721), Lincoln (800.303.3745) and Omaha (888.357.6300).

EducationQuest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest provides free college planning services; funds need-based scholarship programs; provides grants that help high schools increase their college-going rate; and provides outreach services for community agencies statewide. For more information, call 800.303.3745 or visit EducationQuest.org.