WSU Helps Individuals Apply for Financial Aid, Prepare Taxes
OGDEN, Utah – The rate at which Utahns apply for federal student aid is the lowest in the nation, and it is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that students in low-income homes can qualify for millions of dollars in financial assistance to help pay for college.In an effort to help reverse that trend, Weber State University’s Education Access & Outreach (EAO) office is sponsoring FAFSA Frenzy. High school seniors and their parents will receive free help completing the financial aid process, no matter what college or university they plan to attend.
The first event is Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students and parents can drop in at either the Shepherd Union Computer Lab Room 230C or WSU Davis Building 3 Room 230. A second session will be held March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the same locations.
Assistance is offered without appointment on a first-come, first-served basis in both English and Spanish. In addition, FAFSA help is available regularly in the WSU Student Services Center Suite 150.
“Qualifying for and receiving FAFSA are vitally important for students who might think college is out of their reach financially,” said Amy Huntington, EAO college readiness coordinator. “Many students would qualify, but financial aid is a process, not just a one-time application. Our FAFSA Frenzy events educate students regarding what to expect and what steps to take after their FAFSA has been submitted.”
Applicants and their parents/guardians — or spouses if married — must have filed a 2014 federal income tax return in order to complete FAFSA. To speed the application, taxes should be filed a minimum of three weeks prior to attending FAFSA Frenzy events.
Free tax assistance:
For help filing taxes, WSU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free consultations for anyone with an annual income of less than $53,000, including the general public, whether or not they are applying for FAFSA.
The consultations are available through March 7. WSU accounting students, who are IRS certified, along with accounting faculty volunteers, are available at WSU Davis Building 2 Room 101, Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon.
Consultations are by appointment only and must be scheduled by calling 2-1-1.The scheduler will inform participants of the documents and information required when meeting with VITA volunteers.
“During the past five years, the WSU VITA program has prepared and e-filed more than 1,000 returns,” said Lois Kattelman, VITA faculty advisor. “Our accounting student volunteers gain practical tax experience and participate in valuable community service. It is rewarding to see students give back to their community in such a meaningful way.”
Weber State offers approximately $95 million annually in financial assistance and scholarships, including Dream Weber for low-income students, federal work study, activity waivers for participation in campus organizations, Pell Grants and veteran’s benefits.
Students can apply for many forms of financial aid from the same FAFSA application. Those who qualify and meet WSU’s May 1 FAFSA deadline are more likely to receive funds.
“Financial hardship shouldn’t be an impediment to pursuing the dream of a college education,” said Provost Michael Vaughan. “Weber State is committed to provide entry-level access to those seeking higher education.”
Visit weber.edu/fafsahelp for additional information about the FAFSA process, including information about financial aid nights at local high schools.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
- Allison Barlow Hess, Director of Public Relations
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu - Contact:
- Amy Huntington, EAO college readiness coordinator
801-626-7006 • amyhuntington@weber.edu