Why you should start applying for financial aid right now

Additionally, Edvisors owns ScholarshipPoints.com, where students earn points and enter scholarship drawings (the site has awarded more than $750,000 to date); StudentScholarshipSearch.com, a large free online database of scholarships with an easy-to-use scholarship matching tool; and PrivateStudentLoans.com, which helps students find private loans that are right for them.

Inside Higher Ed reports a Department of Education official confirmed the plan via email, saying state agencies could still get access to the list of colleges a prospective student is applying to, but the department will first randomize the order, something state officials say will create more work for everyone involved.

“It’s very important for students to file so we are trying to make it as easy as possible”, said Payton.

In the case of the state agencies, critics of the administration’s change say the list streamlines processes in a way that benefits students.

January is also a good month to learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA, as it’s best to fill out the form right after Jan. 1 to avoid missing out on available federal and state aid going into your teen’s freshman year.

Financial aid professionals will be available to provide hands-on assistance, offering line-by-line explanation of the FAFSA as well as guidance on the financial aid process and application deadlines.

The FAFSA is FREE (as the name implies.) There is no charge to apply, so just do it! The SAR will explain eligibility for financial aid and next steps.

The FAFSA requires 2015 tax information from both parents and students.

“The more you do, the more opportunity you have”, said Payton. Does this have to be done every year?

Charles Rocha is the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Sallie Mae, the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of USA TODAY.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool lets you transfer information from your tax returns directly to your FAFSA. However, we reserve the right at all times, in our sole discretion, to screen content submitted by users and to edit, move, delete, and/or refuse to accept any content that in our judgment violates these Terms of Service or is otherwise unacceptable or inappropriate, whether for legal or other reasons.