COLUMBUS, Ind. – Financial aid professionals from across Indiana will be at 34 sites, including Columbus and Franklin, helping college-bound students and their families with the most important form for financial aid during College Goal Sunday. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. this Sunday, November 9.
This free program helps Hoosier students with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
In Columbus, College Goal Sunday will take place at IU Columbus, 4601 Central Avenue. In Franklin, Ivy Tech Franklin, 2205 McClain Drive, will host the event.
The FAFSA is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, many scholarships, and federal student loans at most colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools nationwide. Filing must occur by the State of Indiana priority deadline of April 15 to guarantee state aid for those who qualify.
Many families perceive the form to be too complicated and time-consuming to complete. It often leads to students missing out on financial aid they would receive. This is why College Goal Sunday is so important. In a few hours, expert volunteers at the event provide free assistance to students and their families in filing the form.
Students under the age of 24 should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent/guardian. The parent should bring completed 2024 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms, and other 2024 income and benefits information. Students who worked should also bring their income information. Students and parents are encouraged to set up their U.S. Department of Education StudentAid.gov account at studentaid.gov before the event.
Students who attend College Goal Sunday and submit a completed evaluation form will be entered in a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship. The winners will be notified, and scholarships will be sent directly to the higher education institution selected by the winning students.
