February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and San Jacinto College, along with schools across the state and country, is helping students learn more about financing a college education. 

According to a recent article by Sue McMillin, President and CEO of the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, McMillin states, “The universal assumption is that in order for our society to continue to prosper and meet future global economic challenges, completion of a college education is essential for a large portion of our population.”

During Financial Aid Awareness Month, many schools and community organizations stage special events to remind students of the importance of attending college, and to pass on information about how to best prepare, plan, and eventually pay for a college education.  However, for one reason or another, eligible students do not always apply or follow through with their financial aid applications.  During the fall 2007 semester, less than one-quarter of the San Jacinto College student population received some type of financial assistance.

“In an effort to encourage students to complete their financial aid applications, we actively get involved in informing students that financial aid is available to virtually everyone,” said Robert Merino, San Jacinto College Financial Aid Services Director. “Whether it’s a grant, scholarship, or loan, most students will qualify for some type of assistance.”

This year, like previous years, San Jacinto College financial aid services employees will do their part to help students receive the aid they need.  San Jacinto College employees are visiting area high schools and community events to assist students and their families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  In addition, College employees are offering individual assistance with completing the FAFSA at the financial aid services office on each of its three campuses.

Other activities the College has planned to help students understand their financial aid options include an open house and three financial aid fairs.  The open house will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, February 22, 2008, at the Central campus financial aid services office.  The financial aid fairs will take place on Tuesday, April 8, at the Central campus, Wednesday, April 9, at the North campus and Thursday, April 10, at the South campus. During each fair, San Jacinto College financial aid services employees and bank representatives will be on hand from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., to inform students about their financial aid options and assist in completing the FAFSA.   A computer lab will be available to submit the FAFSA electronically.

For more information about financial aid available at San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or visit the financial aid page.