By Lindsey Schibelhut, Senior Reporter.
For most students, the decision about which college they’re going to attend is the easy. When it comes to paying for that college, however, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be just as effortless.
On Friday, Feb. 12, Delta is hosting FAFSA Help Day in the library from 5 to 7 p.m. Financial Aid Advisor, Elvina Sika, explains how FAFSA Help day aids students in receiving the money they need for tuition.
“Students and parents are at the helm, on the computer, and our experts are answering questions and reviewing FAFSA information before final submittal to check for completion and accuracy,” explains Sika.
Financial Aid experts from Delta, Northwood and SVSU are available in the library and computer labs to assist new and returning students and parents.
The state of Michigan deadline to complete the FAFSA application is March 1. However, Delta will still accept FAFSA submissions throughout the academic year, but processing may be delayed.
“Now through June 1, our office will be hosting FAFSA events to help parents and students complete and correct FAFSA’s and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to upload accurate 2015 Federal tax return information directly from the IRS into the FAFSA,” says Sika.
According to Sika, approximately 60 percent of Delta’s student population receives some form of financial aid.
“We assist students in meeting their cost of attendance. The maximum gift aid award for the Federal Pell Grant for the 2015-2016 school year is $5,775. Students who are also fully Pell Grant eligible may qualify for an additional $200 in Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity grant dollars if they complete the FAFSA early,” says Sika.
According to Sika, there are also other self-help aids, such as the Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal PLUS Loans and Alternative Education Loans that are available by completing additional applications.
“Our Financial Aid Office also strongly encourages students to apply for scholarships through their local community resources and the Delta College Foundation Office Scholarships,” says Sika. “Remember the Delta College Scholarship is available to apply for now for the 2016-2017 school year and has a Feb. 29 deadline.”
Lastly, students and parents are reminded that they are required to sign the FAFSA with an FSA ID and password. When creating their FSA IDs the email addresses, usernames, passwords and five challenge questions need to be carefully written down.
“This information will be used each year a FAFSA is completed, so keep it in a secure location for future use,” says Sika.
The Financial Aid Office always recommends printing a copy of the FAFSA results and keeping a copy of your or your parents tax returns, along with the FSA ID in an important financial aid folder.
“Anytime students have questions regarding financial aid they can stop into our office and meet with a Financial Aid Advisor. No appointment is necessary,” concludes Sika.
For more information on FAFSA Help days students are recommended to visit: www.delta.edu/financial-aid-office/events. To consult with a Financial Aid Advisor visit the Financial Aid Office located in D-101, Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. or call 989-686-9080. For any other questions contact Elvina Sika at: elvinasika@delta.edu.
