(Des Moines, Iowa) An important date is coming up for college bound-students. October 1st is the first day that students can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or "FAFSA."
Elizabeth Sedral of the Iowa College Aid Office says it's worth it to file that form, because more than half of Iowa students who file, qualify for the federal Pell Grant.
She says more than 75-percent of freshmen starting college in Iowa, receive some sort of student aid, in the form of direct financial aid or by qualifying for work-study programs.
Sedral says that certainly helps ease the financial burden, but she notes many students still graduate with debt. She says the average amount of college student debt in Iowa is $29,732, which is close to the national average.
Iowa College Aid reminds parents of young families, it's best to start saving for college early, so the funds will grow over time.
Sedral also says young people can help ease the load by earning college credits, while still in high school.