NJ Offers Free 1-on-1 FAFSA Completion Consultations for Students

New Jersey Now Offering Students Free One-on-One FAFSA Completion Consultations.Photo byMorristown Minute

HESAA Provides Personalized Support to Boost FAFSA Completion Rates.

NEW JERSEY – Current and prospective college students in New Jersey can now access free one-on-one support to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the September 15, 2024 deadline for State financial aid. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is offering online consultations throughout August to help students navigate the FAFSA process and secure available financial aid.

Addressing FAFSA Completion Challenges

Federal changes to the FAFSA application and platform have created additional challenges for students and families during the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle. To increase FAFSA completion rates, the U.S. Department of Education has provided $50 million in funding to support FAFSA assistance nationwide. HESAA has been awarded $100,000 to provide hundreds of hours of personalized online support through contracted financial aid experts.

“Through these additional free FAFSA consultations, we are offering another avenue of support to the students and families who still need to complete a financial aid application for the upcoming school year,” said Executive Director Margo Chaly, Esq. “As the State financial aid deadline of September 15 quickly approaches, HESAA is here to help New Jersey students complete their financial aid application over the summer to ensure as many residents as possible can access the generous financial aid our state offers. We are grateful for this opportunity to further expand our FAFSA supports on behalf of New Jersey families."

Personalized One-on-One Consultations

New Jersey students can sign up for a one-hour virtual session with a financial aid specialist who will guide them through the FAFSA process and answer any specific questions they may have. These consultations are available to both students who have yet to complete their FAFSA and those who need assistance correcting errors or providing additional information requested by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students can sign up for a specific day and time for their consultation HERE.

Additional FAFSA Support Resources

In addition to the one-on-one consultations, HESAA continues to offer other free FAFSA support services, including in-person workshops at community sites and online webinars available in both English and Spanish.

Importance of Completing the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA is crucial for New Jersey students to determine their eligibility for federal and State grants and scholarships for postsecondary education. Financial aid eligibility is a significant factor in college decision-making for students and their families. New Jersey is known for offering some of the most generous need-based financial aid in the country.

Program Duration

The summer FAFSA completion initiative will run until August 25, 2024, or until all funds are expended, whichever comes first. Students are encouraged to sign up for a consultation as soon as possible to ensure they receive the necessary assistance before the September 15, 2024, State financial aid deadline.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit HESAA's website.

By offering these free consultations, New Jersey aims to make the financial aid application process more accessible and manageable, helping students secure the funding they need for their education.

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