February is Financial Aid Awareness Month

February is a time when colleges and universities celebrate Financial Aid Awareness Month. Financial aid practitioners across the country will be reaching out to students and families to heighten awareness about the aid process. A walk across a college campus or a quick search of financial aid websites reveals a variety of campus campaigns and promotions designed to capture the attention of students. Special events from learning the basics of completing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to getting to know your financial aid officer will be hosted on many campuses.

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a good example of a member institution in action. Jana Cox, Director of Student Financial Services and a member of the College Board’s CSS Assembly Council, shared that SRJC developed a Financial Aid Fun Fair to encourage students to complete the FAFSA and to learn more about scholarship opportunities. “We try to meet students where they are by delivering information in spaces where they live and socialize. This month’s events will be in our dining hall and will include fun activities like a DJ, photo booth, lunch, a prize drawing and much more,” noted Cox. 

The College Board is also doing its part to help support students on their pathway to and through college with financial aid resources like Big Future^TM Pay for College, College Board Opportunity Scholarships, and the CSS Profile^TM. Our partnerships with financial aid members ensure we continue to deliver meaningful financial aid solutions and resources and helps to shine a brighter light on affordability issues facing families today. Remember to thank your local financial aid administrator this month and look for opportunities to attend aid related events near you.