Experts Aim to Assist Arizonans with Receiving Aid During Pandemic
PHOENIX (October 27, 2020) --- For many Arizonans the thought of attending college seems completely out of reach, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic where a family’s income is stretched so thin. Currently the average student loan debt in America is $36,520, according to the Department of Education.
At Phoenix College and throughout Arizona, approximately 84 percent of all college students are receiving some form of financial aid. Phoenix College plans to ensure that eligible students can continue their educational pursuits by offering free virtual financial aid sessions.
“During these extraordinary times, we remain committed to helping our students overcome barriers that often deter them from attending college” said Cynthia Ramos, Director of Financial Aid at Phoenix College. “Our goal is to provide anyone interested in receiving financial aid with one-on-one assistance in a safe, personalized virtual manner.”
The sad truth is 1.2 million students would have qualified for the maximum Federal Pell Grant had they filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) last year. For the 2020-21 school year, the award amount is $6,345. Collectively, Americans are leaving billions of dollars in government grants unclaimed each year. About one third of students who didn't file the FAFSA would have qualified for federal and state grants. That's 33 percent more Arizonans pursuing their dreams and continuing their educations for free in most cases at local community colleges.
Phoenix College will offer free one-on-one virtual financial aid open sessions every Tuesday and Thursday through December 10, 2020. For each web-ex session, the college will pair participants up with a financial aid professional for personalized assistance with FAFSA questions, verification, to-do list resolution and more.
· Tuesday sessions will be held from 4-6 p.m.
· Thursday sessions will be held from 10-12 p.m.
Anyone interested in receiving help with financial aid can just pop in for a free session by visiting: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/become-student/paying-college/financial-…
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If interested in coordinating an interview or for additional details please contact Erika Keenan, Phoenix College Manager of Public Relations and Marketing, at Erika.Keenan@phoenixcollege.edu or 602-285-7842.
About Phoenix College
Phoenix College is the flagship of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. The College is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2020. Phoenix College offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfer, certificates and short-term job training to more than 17,000 students annually.