Ocean County College students interested in applying for financial aid for the 2002-03 academic year should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, according to the college’s financial aid office.
Susan Barschow, director of financial aid at OCC, said many students are under the impression that it’s difficult to obtain financial aid.
"Some families assume that they’re not eligible," she said. "We encourage them to fill out the financial aid application anyway. Many students find they are eligible for some kind of grants and/or loans."
The best way for students to apply for financial aid is on the Web, she said, since the OCC semester begins in four weeks. The address to apply is www.fafsa.ed.gov. Use college code 002624 to have student data sent to the financial aid office at OCC.
"A college education is always possible and it’s our goal to help families and students finance it," Barschow said.
Fall classes begin Sept. 4. For more information call the financial aid office at (732) 255-0310. The financial aid office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open evenings Wednesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m.