by Clara Goode

The University held its annual financial aid awareness day event Friday. The UA financial aid office has been working to provide students with information on financial aid through this event for the last 15 years.

The event, which was held in the plaza between the Ferguson Center and the Student Services Center, encouraged students to begin filling out their free application for federal student aid forms early.

Free refreshments, including soft drinks donated by Pepsi, were given out to students to encourage them to stop by the table to receive more information about the application process.

“I think this event was very successful,” said Helen Allen, associate director of the financial aid department. “More students stopped by than were anticipated.”

The financial aid department hosts other events in different areas on campus upon request, including visits into entry-level classes.

According to Allen, 43 percent of UA students receive some form of financial aid.

“All students are eligible to receive federal aid,” Allen said.

The department offers other services to students who are using FAFSA forms, including sending out e-mails reminding students about the program, assistance with filling out the application and providing detailed explanations of the different types of aid that are available.

Allen said the University offers many different financial aid programs, including loans, grants and work study.

Allen added that many students are unaware of the difference between a grant and a loan. A grant is money given to a student based on their financial need and does not have to be paid back while a loan can be received by any student without reference to their financial standing, but must be paid back.

Loans are popular among a greater number of students because their flexibility allows people from diverse financial backgrounds to be aided in the financial process, she said.

“Regardless of their income, students can get loans,” Allen said.

Grants also provide major relief to those who have been accepted to receive them. Jonathan Turner, a junior majoring in biology, has used grants since he enrolled at the University.

“It helps me pay for school and not have to worry as much about where the money comes from,” Turner said.

Turner said he found the application process to be easy to understand, and the financial aid department employees were very helpful in answering all of his questions.

“I only went up there to renew it after the first time,” Turner said. “And they helped me through every step.”

Allen said students who did not attend the event but who are still interested in receiving more information about the application process can visit FAFSA.gov for more help and guidance.

The Web site offers a simple outline of steps required for applying for federal financial aid, including step-by-step instructions on what to do before, during and after filling out the application. It also provides such information as deadlines and follow-ups.

The UA Web site also provides links and information to students who are currently researching financial aid.

“I encourage everyone, no matter who they are, to fill out a financial aid application,” Allen said.