Financial Aid Information
updated 10.07.2024
updated 10.07.2024
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Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) is a fantastic financial aid resource for both our students and our parents. Our ICAN Representative is Lupe Hernandez. Lupe's contact information is:
Lupe Hernandez, Student Success Advisor
(319) 423-7702
ICAN is reminding parents that Financial Aid Season is upon us. Below is information to get you thinking about financial aid.
Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) can be your one-stop-shop for all your FAFSA needs!
FAFSA Preparedness Week is Next Week
The Iowa Department of Education’s Bureau of Iowa College Aid has a week of virtual workshops scheduled as part of FAFSA Preparedness Week Oct. 7-11. The week’s events are aimed at helping Iowa students and families get ready to access millions of dollars in financial aid to fund their pursuit of postsecondary education and training by efficiently completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
With the FAFSA expected to open for applications by Dec. 1, students and families are encouraged to use the weeks leading up to December to have their StudentAid.gov accounts created and collect any required documentation that may be needed to complete the FAFSA upon its release.
In addition to these daily workshops, the Bureau of Iowa College Aid staff, in partnership with the Postsecondary Attainment Institute and the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN), will also provide resources and tools to assist in FAFSA completion.
The StudentAid.gov account workshops begin Monday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. and continue daily throughout the week. During these virtual workshops, staff will provide step-by-step assistance on creating StudentAid.gov accounts, which are needed to complete the FAFSA. It is recommended that students have their social security number plus their email address and that of a parent or guardian to participate in the workshops.
In addition to the FAFSA Preparedness Week, StudentAid.gov account workshops, students and families are encouraged to connect with the Bureau of Iowa College Aid’s Virtual Coach. By emailing virtualcoach@iowa.gov, students and families will be connected directly with a trained staff member who can provide expert advice and personalized assistance.
To participate in the FAFSA Preparedness Week activities, register for one of the StudentAid.gov account workshops below.
In addition to the virtual sessions we are providing, ICAN is also providing StudentAid.gov account setup webinars.
Seniors: StudentAid.gov Accounts: Step by Step
October 9, 2024 - 5:30 pm - Register
Ideal for seniors and parents
The StudentAid.gov Account creates a username and password needed to login to Federal Student Aid websites, and is required to complete forms such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In this interactive session we will guide students and families through the setup and verification process, step by step.
When completing the FAFSA you will need to list the college and/or university you want your FAFSA information to go to. Instead of typing the name of the colleges you want your FAFSA information sent, you will need to enter a six-digit code. You can find the FAFSA Codes here:
When applying for Financial Aid at Iowa colleges and universities, be aware of application deadlines. While the 2025 - 2026FAFSA Application is not likely to be available until December, we still encourage you to check out Iowa college/university priority financial aid filing deadlines here:
ICAN is reminding parents that Financial Aid Season is upon us. Check out this video from ICAN to get you thinking about financial aid.
Topic: Covering College Costs: Understanding and Comparing College Financial Aid
(Note: the presentation starts at the 5 min mark)
The FAFSA ID confirms your identity and is needed to log-in to electronically sign your FAFSA. You can set up your username and password for the FAFSA now. Visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch to set up your username and password.
• You as the student will need an ID
• One of your parents will need an ID
• If your parents have filed the FAFSA for an older sibling, they might already have their FSA ID.
• Make sure that you write down your username and password after you set it up, and keep it in a safe place so that you can find it when you’re ready to file the FAFSA!
• Learn more about the FSA ID Process - www.icansucceed.org/fsaid
As you start to think about financial aid, don’t forget to fill out those applications for admission! We recommend applying to 2-5 different schools, and submitting your applications before November 1st.
In mid-November, families can now schedule FAFSA appointments with Lupe Hernandez (ICAN). The FAFSA will become available sometime in December. To schedule an appointments families can go to www.icansucceed.org/apt or call 877-272-4692.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Help
• Visit a FAFSA Ready Iowa site. Professional help and no appointment necessary - www.icansucceed.org/fafsareadyiaevents
Visit www.icansucceed.org/whattobring to download a list of items required to complete the FAFSA.
More Information
Contact the ICAN at (877) 272-4692 or e-mail FAFSA@ICANsucceed.org.
Scholarship Options
After you’ve filed your FAFSA, you should start looking into different scholarship opportunities.
• Scholarships that are posted on the SHS Counseling Scholarship Information Page.
• Colleges and universities that you’re applying to.
• DFS and Local applications that will be available after January 1.
• Online scholarship databases - ICAN Scholarship Database
• State of Iowa Scholarship Application - https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/
A lot of deadlines for scholarships and other aid will start coming up in the fall semester, so make sure to stay on top of the process!