Representative John Fresolo Urges Constituents to Apply for Financial Aid to Help Pay for College
January 9, 2008 --- Paying for college is a daunting challenge, but help is available. Last year, Massachusetts students secured more than $1 billion in grants and low-interest loans from federal and state governments, as well as millions of dollars in scholarships from colleges and universities. Students and their families need to know these resources exist and many need assistance navigating the complex process of seeking out and applying for financial aid. Fortunately, free guidance is available to help applicants through this process.
“Time is of the essence, and students planning to attend college next fall should begin the financial aid application process right now,” said Representative John Fresolo. “While substantial aid is available, students should apply early, preferably earlier than March 1, and investigate all possible sources of aid.”
Federal and state governments, along with colleges and universities, are the major sources of financial aid. Students begin the process of applying for both federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Many private colleges and universities also require a second form, the CSS PROFILE ®, which is available at The College Board’s website.
To receive free guidance on identifying sources of financial aid and completing applications, students and families throughout Massachusetts may call TERI’s toll-free information hotline at 1-877-332-4348 or visit one of TERI’s nine College Planning Centers in Boston, Brockton and Chelsea, MA, or an Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) in Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester. For hours of operation of TERI’s Centers visit www.tericollegeplanning.org. TERI’s hotline is made available through a partnership between the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and TERI.
“Students and their families need to be aware that funds exist to help ease the financial burden of attending college, said Representative John Fresolo “It takes time and patience to uncover these sources, and to get through the application process. For those looking for financial help, I urge you to get started now. ”
TERI College Planning Centers provide free, one-on-one information and advice on applying for financial aid and other concerns related to college planning. All TERI College Planning Center and EOC services are free. For guidance over the phone or information on the closest Center to you, please call 1-877-ED-AID-4U (1-877-332-4348).
STATEWIDE TOLL-FREE EDUCATION/FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
The TERI Information Hotline, 1-877-332-4348, puts students and families across Massachusetts in touch with experts who provide free guidance on college planning. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTERS
City Location
Boston TERI College Planning Center
Boston Public Library, Copley Square
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
1-877-332-4348
Visit www.tericollegeplanning.org for information on TERI’s 9 Centers in Boston, Brockton and Chelsea.
Brockton TERI College Planning Center
34 School Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(866) 891-4716
Leominster North Central Educational Opportunity Center
100 Erdman Way
Leominster, MA 01453
(978) 840-0176 ext. 107
Lynn Educational Opportunity Center
Corner of Broad and Market Streets
Lynn, MA 01901
(781) 477-2114
New Bedford Seven Hills Behavior Health
New Bedford Educational Opportunity Center
10 Welby Road
New Bedford, MA 02745
(508) 995-3026
Pittsfield The Learning Connection
10 Lyman Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 499-9531
Greater Springfield Valley Opportunity Center
Educational Opportunity Center
152 Center Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 612-0206
Worcester Ed Central – Colleges of Worcester Consortium
Educational Opportunity Center
484 Main Street, Suite 500
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 754-6829 ext.3004