It’s financial aid time! Start now with the FAFSA.

October is the official kickoff of the higher education financial aid season with the new 2022  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application available as of Oct. 1. To help students and adults returning to school learn how to leverage the financial aid they need, VSAC has a full line-up of virtual resources to guide you, starting with the FAFSA.

A completed FAFSA opens the door to a world of financial aid designed to help you pay for your continuing education and training opportunities. Here's how to get it done:

Whether you’re new to filling out the FAFSA, or just have questions, mark your calendar for the free, live, online VSAC Shows You How webinar, simulcast to Facebook, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. VSAC outreach counselor Carrie Harlow will walk you through how to complete a FAFSA, question by question. And speaking of questions, you’ll have an opportunity to get yours answered throughout the webinar. Register to join via Zoom on October 26. You'll also be able to watch the recorded video later at your convenience. (If you don’t have your Federal Student Aid ID before the webcast, take a few minutes to get it here.)

For many Vermonters, 2021 has been a year filled with financial challenges. If you plan to get financial help from the college or trade school you want to attend, filing the FAFSA application is the first step to learning how much federal aid you’re eligible for. The FAFSA information will unlock many other potential financial aid resources, too, including the Vermont state grant, institutional aid, need-based scholarships and more. 

The next step is to apply for the Vermont grant. The math is simple — your FAFSA + Vermont state grant = $$$$ for your education, and all in about 90 minutes.

VSAC also manages more than 120 scholarships just for Vermonters, awarding more than $5 million every year. You can check out the range of offerings in VSAC’s new scholarship booklet. View the online booklet or order a printed copy to be sent to your home. 

Need more help with your financial aid quest? VSAC’s essential college-planning workshops are now online. Check out the VSAC calendar for a Financial Aid & Managing College Costs workshop that fits your schedule.  

Still have questions or a special circumstance that could use some guidance to figure out? VSAC is offering virtual 1:1 private meetings, most weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a VSAC counselor. Sign up for an appointment. 

If you’re an adult returning to learning and would like to talk to a counselor who specializes in working with adult learners, please call (877) 961-4369 to schedule a time.   

The information you need for financial planning for your education is easy to find, easy to use and all right here. The bottom line: If current circumstances have taught us anything, it’s that Vermonters need to continue their education. VSAC shows you how. Questions? Email us at info@vsac.org.