Financial aid offers support for FAFSA application assistance

The early bird won't have to squirm waiting for a financial aid check to arrive.

The office of student financial services will help complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and Texas Application for State Financial Aid.

Although special events are geared toward incoming freshmen, there are specialists willing to help any student.

"Early is key," Tom Campos, director of the college's financial services office, said.

The main reason for the push for early completion is because the amount of financial aid from state programs is limited, so students who apply early have the advantage, Campos explained.

Texas distributes $3 billion in aid, the financial services Web site states.

The business office disperses checks every week and normally mails the first financial aid check, Campos said.

If students register early and complete their financial aid applications, their financial aid checks will also come in early.

"The delay comes from getting the students and parents to finish their tax form from the prior year," Campos said.

"We tell them to complete as much as they can, and we are available if they have any questions."

Computers are available in the financial aid office in Room 101 of Fletcher Administration Center, where students also can receive one-on-one help with their applications from financial aid representatives.

"Apply early, especially this year, because of the new Banner system," Campos said.

The district is replacing its software for student records this year.

Along with the new Banner system, financial aid is changing lender programs.

The former program was called Family Federal Education Loan Program, in which a loan was extended from a bank directly to the student.

Now, the Direct Student Loan Program is set to replace the old program next fall.

The federal government is the new lender.

With all the upcoming changes, students who register and complete their financial aid applications as early as possible can get familiar with the financial aid changes and be able to navigate the new Banner system smoothly, Campos said.

The student financial services office is open 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.