Financing a college education is a daunting task for many college students.

Fortunately for OLLU students, the financial aid office is hosting FAFSA Nights.
           
Now in its second year, FAFSA Nights will be held three days each month from February to April in UWAC 104 from 6 to 8 p.m.  March days will be on the 20th through 22nd. April days will be from the 17th through 19th.
           
FAFSA is an acronym for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. According to Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA is “the fundamental qualifying form used for all federal and government-guaranteed commercial lenders’ programs – as well as for many state, regional and private student aid programs.”
           
“The FAFSA is important because it’s what we use to determine what students qualify for financial aid,” said Marsha Eldridge, assistant director of financial aid.
           
Because it is important for students to complete the FAFSA, all of the financial aid counselors as well as lenders from the Council of South Texas Economic Progress, Sallie Mae, and Wells Fargo Bank will be in attendance at FAFSA Nights to assist students and parents in completing the application online.
          
“The FAFSA Nights help students complete the form accurately,” said Eldridge. “We’re trying to simplify the process for the students because we understand it’s a complex process.”
           
Eldridge said the FAFSA Nights were scheduled for evenings to allow both students and parents to attend.
           
Students should complete the application as soon as possible, but they have until April 30 to meet the OLLU deadline.
           
Students and their parents need to complete their taxes before applying because tax information is used to complete the form.
           
Those hoping to attend do not need an appointment. Students and parents should bring copies of their PIN numbers, 2006 income tax returns, 2006 W-2s, Social Security 1099s or any other income documents needed to complete the FAFSA application.