July 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Don’t fear the FAFSA! Grand Rapids Community College has resources available to help students complete the federal form for financial aid and potentially help them access programs and grants to help pay for a college education.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, is required for students to receive financial support through federal grants, programs such as Michigan Reconnect and the Grand Rapids Promise Zone, and scholarships through the GRCC Foundation.
The college has a FAFSA Hotline – (616) 234-4030 – with specialists available to answer questions about the form. Students also can make appointments to connect with specialists in person, virtually or over the phone at grcc.edu/financialaid. Specialists can be reached via email at financialaid@grcc.edu.
“The FAFSA application can unlock many opportunities for students to reduce, or even potentially eliminate, college costs,” said David DeBoer, GRCC’s executive director of Financial Aid. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on a GRCC education that can change their lives. It might seem complicated, but our team is trained to assist you. We are here to help!”
FAFSA is an online form that requires financial and tax information for students and parents, if the students are dependents.
GRCC has a series of helpful videos available on YouTube’s GRCCtv.
The FAFSA can be completed, typically in under an hour, at fafsa.gov using a computer or tablet. The U.S. Education Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid also has information for students and families available at StudentAid.gov.
The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation also requires a FAFSA for students applying for scholarships. The foundation awarded $1.4 million in scholarships to GRCC students last year.
Information and universal scholarship applications are available at grcc.edu/scholarships.
“We don’t want financial obstacles to stand in the way of someone starting or restarting a college education that can change lives,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “The FAFSA is the first step on that journey. Our team will not only help you get started, but will be with you every step of the way.”