How GRCC is helping students access financial aid, scholarships

While other colleges are seeing a decline in students applying for FAFSA, Grand Rapids Community College is seeing a spike.

The number of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms submitted to GRCC for the 2021-22 academic year is up by nearly 2,000 applications, about 44%.

But GRCC officials say there are still many students who should apply to gain access to scholarships and tuition-free programs, such as Michigan Reconnect and the Grand Rapids Promise Zone. GRCC is adding resources to help students complete the forms and access these programs.   

Bucking the trend

That’s the opposite of state and national trends, according to the National College Attainment Network. But GRCC leaders say there are many students who can still take advantage of financial aid opportunities.

“The FAFSA application is unquestionably the key to accessing scholarships and financial aid programs that can reduce or even eliminate college costs,” says Dr. Tina Hoxie, GRCC associate provost and dean of student affairs. “GRCC is focused on helping students complete their FAFSA. We don’t want anyone to miss out on a life-changing education.”

FAFSA is an online form that requires financial and tax information for students — and parents, if the students are dependents.

Help available

Students can connect with GRCC financial aid specialists by phone at 616-234-4030; email at financialaid@grcc.edu; text at 616-219-8224; or virtually or in-person by appointment. GRCC also has a series of helpful videos available on YouTube’s GRCCtv.  

The FAFSA can be completed at fafsa.gov using a computer, tablet, or mobile phone. The U.S. Education Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid also has information for students and families available at StudentAid.gov. The form can usually be completed in less than an hour.

The form is required for students to receive federal Pell Grants, which can cover all expenses for some students, and for students to take advantage of the local Grand Rapids Promise Zone, as well as the statewide Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs.

The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation also requires a FAFSA for students to be eligible for scholarships. The foundation last year awarded $1.1 million in scholarships to GRCC students. The priority deadline to apply for a foundation scholarship is March 15, 2021. Information and universal applications are available at grcc.edu/scholarships.

“Every year, we see the difference a college education can make in a person’s life,” says Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “For many students, that dream becomes a reality because of a scholarship. Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward a brighter future.”