The midnight deadline is looming, and the Sterling College Office of Financial Aid is ready to help. This year’s Kansas state deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is April 1, 2014, at midnight, and some state and federal aid operates on a first-come, first-served basis. To help area students get in the front of the line, Sterling College is hosting FAFSA night on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 6-9 p.m. in Mabee Library on the campus of Sterling College. A second event will take place in Mabee Library on Sunday, March 2, from 2-6 p.m.

“When filing for government aid at the state and federal levels, students want to file early. Waiting until the last minute will put you at risk for not receiving as much aid because it has already been promised to other students who applied first,” said Mitzi Suhler, director of financial aid at Sterling College.

“Sterling College is hosting FAFSA night because filling out the form can be challenging for parents and students. We want to help make this experience easier by providing professional assistance that will help students meet filing deadlines that could enable them to receive grants, scholarships and loans,” said Suhler.

In order to fill out the FAFSA, parents and students will need to bring several items of information. First, bring information such as date of birth, social security numbers and address.

Second, information from any parent or student W2s is essential.

Third, parent and student tax information for 2013 is needed for the final submission of the FAFSA, but those who have not filed 2013 taxes yet can still fill out the FAFSA with estimated numbers from their 2012 tax information.

Finally, parents and students will need a Federal Student Aid PIN. Each student will have a unique number, but will use that same number each year they apply for aid. Those who do not have a PIN from previous years of filing for aid can fill out the online form at www.pin.ed.gov to receive their number.

Sterling College’s Office of Financial Aid and Office of Admissions will be on hand to offer insight and answer questions. For questions about the event or the paperwork necessary, contact Sara Taverner, assistant director of financial aid, or Tina McFerrin, financial aid coordinator, at 620-278-2173.

“Anyone is welcome to come to FAFSA night. We would love for the student to consider attending Sterling College, but this is a service we offer the surrounding communities whether they plan on attending Sterling or not. Parents and students who already attend college are also welcome to join,” said Dennis Dutton, director of admissions.

Contact Sterling College’s Office of Admissions or Office of Financial Aid with any questions at 620-278-2173.