College Goal Sunday helps get students signed up for financial aid | News

CONWAY, Ark. (KTHV) -- UCA, Central Baptist College, and Hendrix are just three of more than 30 Arkansas schools participating in College Goal Sunday to get students successfully signed up for federal and state aid.  UCA officials estimate they helped 100 students Sunday.

Olivia Opitz is one of hundreds of future Arkansas college students getting a head start on their financial aid application. She and her grandmother Eleanor took advantage of College goal Sunday and checked off a few things on their college to do list. She came in knowing nothing but we were not only welcomed, they sat us down and walked us through step by step, it was easy," says Opitz.

Nearly 20 financial add staff members worked to help future students like Optiz fill out the FASFA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's the universal application for Arkansas department of higher education scholarships.

Cheryl Lyons, UCA financial aid director, says they host this event early so students have a leg up on scholarships and other aid. "Certainly it can effect state aid eligibility as well as private funds and institutional funds because many of those use the federal aid application to determine eligibility so the earlier a student can apply, the better."

UCA isn't the only college helping students in their new business building. Hendrix and Central Baptist Colleges were both on hand helping as well. Lyons says today is all about getting students prepared and acclimated to college. "Some of these students have never stepped on a university before so it's a great entry way."

Many of those students, like Optiz are excited about their new start and glad a portion of the financial process is complete. "Having it all done right now and not waiting until the last minute is great, I'm just glad it's done with."

The process begins with students meeting with staff. They go over the application process and then a staff member takes them to a computer lab. They complete the forms on-line, which takes about 30 minutes to finish.