News

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dominick Pangallo			Click here to return to Press Releases
Phone (617) 722-2575
Email Dominick@JohnKeenan.org
January 18, 2006

Representative John Keenan Announces Financial
aid available to help pay for college

BOSTON – Last year, Massachusetts students received over $1.4 billion in grants and low-interest loans from federal and state governments. In addition, Massachusetts colleges and universities awarded students millions of dollars in scholarships from their own funds. But many students and their families are either unaware that these funds exist or need help navigating the often cumbersome financial aid application process. Fortunately, free help is available to help guide applicants through the process of identifying sources of, and applying for, financial aid.

“People planning to attend college next fall need to begin the financial aid application process now,” said Representative Keenan. “While substantial aid is available, students should apply early, preferably before March 1, and investigate all possible sources of aid.”

Federal and state governments, along with colleges and universities, are the major sources of financial aid. Students begin the process of applying for both federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, and it is preferable that students complete the application online. Many private colleges and universities also require a completed PROFILE form, also available online at https://profileonline.collegeboard.com.

For assistance with these applications, as with general questions about financial aid, people may call the TERI College Access toll-free information hotline at 1-877-ED-AID-4U (1-877-332-4348). This hotline is funded by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education—Office of Student Financial Assistance—and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

Paper copies of the FAFSA, as well as general information about sources of financial aid, are available through high school guidance offices, college financial aid offices, public libraries, and the TERI College Access Centers in Boston and Chelsea. Assistance is also available through Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs) located in Brockton, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester.

“There is money out there to help defray the costs of attending college. It simply takes time and patience to uncover these sources and to get through the application process,” said Representative Keenan. “For those looking for financial help, I would urge you to get started now.”

A free financial aid brochure titled, Making College Affordable: A Workbook on Financial Aid, Loans & Scholarships for College Bound Students and their Families, is available on the TERI College Access Web site (www.tericollegeaccess.org) or by calling the information hotline.

TERI College Access Information Hotline, 1-877-ED-AID-4U (1-877-332-4348), offers information about public and private colleges, job training programs, careers, admissions tests, financial aid and other topics related to college planning. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.