More College Aid Could Mean More Applications &
Questions
Toll-Free Hotline to Help Parents and Students
HARTFORD, Jan. 7 — Tax credits to offset college costs. New
"incentive grants" doubling Pell Grant amounts for certain students. Falling
interest rates on student loans. Millions more in state aid for students attending
Connecticut colleges. A spanking new "loan forgiveness" program for minority
college students who teach in Connecticut public schools. Education stipends in return for
community service.
The fact is that for college-bound students in Connecticut, the financial aid picture
has never been brighter. More than $32 million is available in state sources alone this
year. Major federal programs offer at least $120 million to Connecticut students. But how
to make sense of it all? How can parents and students learn about their best options
without adding to the confusion and anxiety of applying to college?
One easy option is to call the toll-free Student Financial Aid Hotline:
1-888-809-4316 from Monday, January 18 to Friday, January 22, 2:00 – 9:00 pm.
Callers may leave messages at times other than the special Hotline hours.
Financial aid directors from Connecticut colleges and universities are volunteering
their time and expertise to help callers apply for financial aid for college, vocational
or graduate school; complete applications; and answer questions about eligibility
requirements for federal and state grants, scholarships, loans and work-study
opportunities. Students, parents and school counselors are urged to call.
With more aid and new programs available, counselors are anticipating more questions
and applications than usual, especially since they recommend that all
college applicants apply for financial aid even if they doubt they are eligible. One free
call to the Hotline’s experts could lead to untold savings for parents and students.
The Hotline, in its 14th year of operation, has helped thousands of students
and parents obtain applications, sort through forms and meet deadlines on time. The
Hotline is sponsored by the:
Connecticut Association of Professional Financial Aid Administrators, Inc.,
Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority,
Connecticut Student Loan Foundation, and the
Connecticut Department of Higher Education.
Hotline staff will be taking calls at the offices of the Connecticut Student Loan
Foundation, 525 Brook Street in Rocky Hill (Exit 22 off I-91).
Contact: Connie Fraser
(860)947-1801
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