The meeting began with Jason Sabino, the Director of School Counseling at Watchung Hills Regional High School, who introduced Doug Wilson, a representative from the Higher Education Assistance Authority and Director of Financial Aid at Kean University. Wilson’s presentation aimed to demystify the financial aid process and emphasized the importance of the FAFSA, which is a graduation requirement for students in the classes of 2025 through 2027, although an exemption option is available.

Wilson addressed common misconceptions, encouraging families to apply for financial aid regardless of their perceived eligibility. He highlighted that financial aid is not solely need-based; opportunities for non-need-based assistance are also available. He underscored that completing the FAFSA can unlock various forms of financial aid, including federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, and loans.

The presentation detailed four basic types of financial aid: Gift Aid, which includes grants and scholarships that do not require repayment; Work-Study programs that provide part-time jobs for students; Loans, which must be repaid with interest; and Federal Grants such as the Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). Wilson emphasized the importance of exploring all available options, including scholarships from community organizations and employers.

Wilson provided specific information about state grants, including the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), which support economically disadvantaged students. He also introduced the New Jersey Stars program, which offers scholarships to high-achieving students attending community colleges, and NJ Stars 2 for those transferring to four-year institutions.

One key point of the presentation was the new timeline for FAFSA submission. Traditionally available on October 1, this year’s FAFSA will be available starting December 1. This delay has implications for students applying for early decision, as they may receive college admissions offers before understanding their complete financial aid package. Families were advised to check directly with colleges regarding their financial aid policies and to use online calculators to estimate potential aid eligibility.

Wilson also discussed the New Jersey alternative financial aid application for state funding, specifically for New Jersey Dreamers. He outlined the process of completing the FAFSA, including the requirement for students to provide demographic information and for parents to consent to transfer federal tax information. Families were reminded of the importance of timely submission and the potential need for additional documentation.

Programs such as NJ Gives offer up to $2,000 for specific fields like construction supervision and solar energy. The County College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) provides full tuition coverage for families earning $65,000 or less, with tiered eligibility for higher income levels. The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) offers similar tiered financial aid for families with incomes up to $100,000.

In addition to grants, Wilson discussed federal loan programs, including the Federal Direct Loan and the Federal PLUS Loan for parents. He emphasized that these loans are offers, not obligations, and families can choose to decline or request lesser amounts based on their financial circumstances.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment, addressing specific concerns and providing additional resources. Participants were encouraged to schedule meetings with school counselors to ensure all necessary documentation is in order and to stay informed about federal and state requirements for financial aid applications.