The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (grants and
loans from the Federal government) for college. Completing this
application also makes you eligible for any state aid you might qualify
for. After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive your Student AidIndex (SAI). The SAI is an eligibility index number that a college’s or
career school’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal
student aid you would receive if you attended the school. This number
results from the information that you provide in your FAFSA form.
Below are questions I’m often asked:
Who should complete the FAFSA?
- Anyone who thinks they qualify for a grant (free money from the state/federal
- Anyone who wants/needs a loan from the federal/state government
I know I don’t qualify for a grant, and I do not want to take out a loan.
Do I still have to complete the FAFSA? Here are some examples of why you
might need to still complete it. There could be other reasons too - each family
situation is unique.
Murray State requires FAFSA completion for those students who wish to
Other schools may require it as well so you need to check with your school.
Some scholarships require you to report your SAI (Student Aid Index –
The Work Ready Scholarship offered at WKCTC requires FAFSA completion.
What income level qualifies for the “free money” (grants)?
There is no magic income number because the formula is complicated
and takes into account more than just your income.
When is the FAFSA due?
Some colleges have priority deadlines for completing the FAFSA.
Please check with your school to see if they have a deadline.
What help is available at MCHS?
FSA ID - Sept 29 - open lab in 1208 for students/families to set up their FSA IDs
Seniors can come to the lab as their schedule allows - if you need me to create
a hall pass for you in our e-hall pass system, let me know. You will need to bring
your device to the lab.
Families are also welcome but please know that you can create your FSA ID on
the day of your FAFSA appointment (this is a change from the last couple of years).
Getting it ahead of your appointment, just saves time that day.
FAFSA - One on one appointments with financial aid counselors will begin
October 14. You can email me to set up the appointment or stop by my
office in 1201. The financial aid counselors are here to help you complete
the application or simply answer any questions you have.
Oct 14 - 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Oct 15 - 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Oct 16 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Oct 17 - 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
**watch the Senior Blog and school email for additional dates
So if you have any questions or you want help to complete your FAFSA, make sure
to take advantage of the Financial Aid Counselors we will have on our campus
starting in October. They are the experts!
