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The UA is hosting College Goal Sunday, an event held across the nation to help high school seniors and families make sense of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

By University Communications
February 6, 2008

College Goal Sunday may sound like a sporting event, but it’s actually meant to help families who are trying to gain access to funds set aside for college and university costs.

Created especially for those who have a hard time making sense of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the event brings together financial aid professionals and high school counselors who help college seniors fill out their forms.

The University of Arizona is one of nearly 30 sites throughout Arizona participating in the event this Sunday. Presentations will be held in English and Spanish and a computer lab will be open so that those who would like to may submit their FAFSA immediately.

The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education is hosting the event, which is free and open to the public, and low-income and first-generation applications are particularly encouraged to attend.

“This is definitely an opportunity to contact the correct person to answer your questions,” said Eddie Arteaga, director of minority student recruitment and associate director of admissions.

Students are encouraged to file their FAFSA before the UA’s priority date, which is March 1, although the deadline for students in Arizona is June 30.

The event was created to help families who need help paying for college. Even though the cost of attending a university may be high, studies have shown that college graduates earn more than 70 percent more than those who carry only a high school diploma.

Also, the UA will be introducing “Arizona Assurance,” a new need-based financial aid program to improve accessibility for all students who qualify by helping them with tuition and fee costs.

For Sunday’s event, college-bound high school seniors, adults who intend to return to school and their families are encouraged to attend for a step-by-step walk through explaining how to fill out the 2008-2009 FAFSA, which entitles eligible college-bound students to federal financial aid and grants.

At the UA, financial aid and admission staff will be on site to answer any questions about financial aid and admissions or questions related to the University’s Comprehensive Admission Review program, which is an admissions review process that allows students – along with their academic work – to include details about their life experiences and personal achievements in their application.

For those who are age 23 or younger, be sure to bring your parents. Also have them bring along their 2007 income data in the form of W-2’s or pay stubs. Parents can also bring 2007 tax returns. If you are over 23, bring your own 2007 tax information.