KOKOMO, Ind. — Students and families can access scholarships and financial aid to make college affordable, with free assistance available at College Goal Sunday February 22.
Financial aid experts will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. in the IU Kokomo Library, 2300 S. Washington St. Kokomo, to help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, many scholarships, and federal student loans at most colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The event is open to all students who may attend college for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
“We participate in College Goal Sunday because we believe every student should know that paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming,” said Meredith Dittfield, assistant director of financial aid and scholarships. “Our mission is to make the financial aid process simpler, clearer, and more accessible for everyone. College Goal Sunday gives us the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with families, answer their questions, and support them as they take that important step toward turning their college plans into reality. By guiding them through each stage of the process, we help open doors to opportunities that can truly change their lives.”
IU Kokomo is one of 34 sites statewide participating, offering expert help to complete the form required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships, and student loans at most colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools nationwide. It must be filed by April 15, 2026 to be eligible for Indiana financial aid.
Students should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent(s) or guardian(s), and parent(s) should bring completed 2024 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2024 income and benefits information. Students who worked should also bring their income information. Students 24 years of age or older may attend alone and bring their completed 2024 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2024 income and benefits information. Students and parent(s) are encouraged to set up their U.S. Department of Education StudentAid.gov account at studentaid.gov before coming to the event. Volunteers will be available to assist with the online form and answer all families’ individual questions during College Goal Sunday. All sites offer FAFSA online capabilities and many have Spanish interpreters available.
Now in its 37th year, College Goal Sunday has helped more than 98,000 Indiana students and families complete the FAFSA properly and on time. College Goal Sunday is a charitable program of the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association (ISFAA).
Students who attend College Goal Sunday and submit a completed evaluation form will automatically be entered in a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships. The winners will be notified, and scholarships will be sent directly to the higher education institution selected by the winning students.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.