All students applying to college should know about FAFSA.

Also known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, everyone—rich, poor, or somewhere in between—should plan to complete a FAFSA application as part of applying to York Tech.

FAFSA is the foundation for all financial aid, and allows students to be considered for Federal Pell Grants, state grants, Stafford student loans, scholarships and work-study programs. These funds can help pay for college tuition as well as books and some fees.

There is often a misconception that a student’s grades and/or a family’s income may affect a student’s eligibility for FAFSA. Many times this can be a wrong assumption and a reason why a lot of eligible students don’t apply. However, the FAFSA can be a gateway to help provide valuable financial aid support to future students.

Fill out that FAFSA

Some experts refer to the FAFSA application “like kryptonite,” robbing students and their parents of strength and resolve. While the whole process can turn stomachs into knots, students and parents can visit York Tech’s Financial Aid office for one-on-one help or attend free workshops offered throughout the year.

Students should complete the FAFSA form online at www.fafsa.gov. The site has step-by-step instructions. Parents need their current tax returns for a dependent student, and independent students must have tax returns for themselves and their spouse. If you complete your family’s tax forms before filling out the FAFSA, you will have your best financial information at hand. You will be asked for a school code to send your final report. Don’t forget that York Tech’s code is 003996.

Awards vary by college

Students are awarded financial aid once they’re admitted to a college. York Technical College awarded 96% of its first-time freshman students with financial aid last year. York Tech receives a student’s FAFSA report. which the college uses to determine a broad range of financial aid options that includes grants, loans, scholarships and work-study.

Students should complete the FAFSA form online at www.fafsa.gov.