Financial Aid Information
updated 11.29.2023
2024 - 2025 FAFSA
Here is the latest from Federal Student Aid: The redesigned and streamlined FAFSA form will be available by Dec. 31, 2023.
Historically, the FAFSA has been available beginning October 1st each year. However, because of significant changes to the application and the rebuild of the FAFSA processing system, the 2024-25 FAFSA will not be available until December 31, 2023. Updates on an exact date will be posted here when announced.
A representative from Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) will be coming to Solon HS on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Details of this event will be posted here at a later date.
Senior Alert: Join Us for Our Scholarship Webinar
The Scholarship Process
Perfect for seniors and parents
Wednesday, November 15 at 5:30 pm - Tune in on the ICAN Facebook page or REGISTER
Scholarships are an important part of the financial aid process and can make a big difference for students when it comes to picking the school they attend. Join us for a discussion of the scholarship process – everything from where to look for scholarships, standard application expectations, how to write essays, and how to improve your applications. We’ll share examples and resources, and walk you through the scholarship timeline from start to finish.
A recording of the event will be available at www.facebook.com/ICANsucceed/videos following the live broadcast.
Are you planning on attending college in Iowa in Fall 2024?
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 2024 - 2025 FAFSA 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:
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.
1st Step, Understand what is "financial aid" and what does it entail?
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)
2nd Step, Get a FSA ID
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.
3rd Step, Get help from ICAN!
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!