High school seniors, and anyone else with plans to attend Lone Star College-North Harris next fall, can add one more New Year’s resolution to their list; remember to complete the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now. The newest FAFSA becomes available each year on Jan. 1 and is used to award funding for the fall 2011 semester through the summer of 2012. Those planning to take classes during the upcoming fall, spring or summer semesters should complete it as soon as possible.
FAFSA forms are available online at www.fafsa.gov.
“It can be a little overwhelming, especially for first-time students, trying to figure out which forms they need to complete. We encourage students to call or come by the financial aid office and get any help they may need. Our advisors will work with them one-on-one to make sure they are not missing out on any available funding,” said Vickie Johnson, director of financial aid for LSC-North Harris.
The college also offers on-site workshops to aid students and their families with completing the FAFSA, as well as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) information sessions which discuss the academic requirements for maintaining financial aid eligibility.
Morning and afternoon FAFSA workshops are typically held during the first week of each month. The next scheduled workshops will be held on Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. in room 103 of the Digital Technology Building and again at 5 p.m. in room 102. Those planning to attend should contact the financial aid office at 281.618.5464 to determine the necessary documents to bring.
The next SAP sessions, scheduled during the second week of each month, will be Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. and at 5 p.m. in room 103 of the Digital Technology Building.
“Completing the FAFSA every year, as early as possible, is one of the most important steps a student can take. Not only does it maximize the federal aid options available to them, they can also be confident that it is will be processed before payment for is due for those classes,” added Johnson.
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.
With more than 62,000 students in credit classes in spring 2010, and a total enrollment of nearly 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the second largest and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. LSCS consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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