Students and families who are confounded by the tedium of applying for financial aid in Pennsylvania have the opportunity to attend free workshops to receive hands-on guidance.

The workshops, lasting until April in Allegheny County, will provide tips on how to complete the application process for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application must be completed annually for students to be eligible for various grants and student loan.

“These events are perfect for anyone who might have questions or feel intimidated by the financial aid application process,” said Keith New, director of Public Relations and Communications for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in an email interview Jan. 21.

The events are part of a partnership between PHEAA and the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (PASFAA) as well as college financial aid administrators.  

“The sessions go beyond the FAFSA and address financial aid options while providing tips for minimizing student loan debt,” New said.

The most important things to bring to the session are questions, paper and a pen to take notes.  New said he wants students and families to know these sessions are a free public service, and there will be ample time to clarify any uncertainties. 

Two types of sessions will be available. PHEAA is offering presentation sessions as well as computer lab sessions.  

The presentation sessions include a PowerPoint and question-and-answer segment. The computer lab sessions offer the same, in addition to individual guidance on filling out the FASFA form.

The sessions are always very well attended and provide positive feedback, according to New.

Everyone qualifies for financial aid, but there are many factors that determine whether you receive a loan or a grant.

“The determining factors on that form are your family income, student income, family size, number of students enrolled in college, and they also look at any assets as far as savings,” George Santucci, director of Financial Aid for the University, said.

These PHEAA sessions are great for incoming freshman and their families who are new to this mandatory process, according to Santucci.

“Even if a family makes a million dollars in income, but yet they want their child to have a student loan, they have to fill out the FASFA form,” Santucci said.

The process can be confusing for students trying to fill out the form for the first time. Some of Point Park’s students feel they could benefit from attending a session.

Sophomore Ciara Dawson feels that it would be helpful “having somebody know what they’re doing beside you, trying to help you do it” while filling out the FAFSA form.

“I could do it instead of my parents having to do everything for me,” freshman Alan Ramos said on Jan. 21.

A full listing of locations and dates of workshops can be found on PHEAA.org.  The website also lists all documents needed to fill out the form.

All incoming fall students must apply for financial aid by Mar. 15. Any additional questions can also be answered by Point Park’s financial aid office. 

“Anyone completing the FAFSA, or just planning for higher education, could benefit from the expertise and friendly advice that our presenters provide” New said.