Important FAFSA Updates and Essential Postsecondary Resources from JMG
As part of JMG's commitment to ensuring that our students have access to the best possible resources for pursuing higher education, we want to inform you of the recent updates to the FAFSA form. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a crucial step in securing financial assistance for college, and understanding the changes is essential for students and their families.
The FAFSA form has undergone modifications to simplify the application process and improve accessibility. These changes aim to make it easier for students to apply for federal financial aid and provide a more accurate reflection of their financial situation. We encourage all our students and their families to familiarize themselves with the updated FAFSA form to take full advantage of the available financial aid opportunities.
The 2024-2025 FAFSA form expands eligibility for federal student aid, including Pell Grants. With the new form, applicants will be able to skip as many as 26 questions, depending on their individual circumstances. Some applicants could answer as few as 18 questions, which could take less than 10 minutes.
Who can file a FAFSA? Adult students, as well as recent high school graduates, are eligible to file a FAFSA form.
Why file a FAFSA? Grants, which do not have to be paid back, and low-interest loans can help ease the burden of tuition costs. Federally funded work-study programs can put some extra money in a student’s pocket to help with incidental expenses during the school year.
More to know about filing: Unlike many scholarship programs, federal student aid does not consider academic performance, although students receiving aid must meet their college’s standard for satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving aid.
In addition to the FAFSA updates, we want to share the postsecondary resources available to our students on the JMG website. We aim to empower students with the tools and information they need to succeed in their academic and career pursuits.
Comprehensive College Guidance: JMG provides detailed resources for students to develop their postsecondary plan, including how to save for higher education, how to research schools, and how to discover postsecondary opportunities in Maine.
Scholarship Grants & Tuition Assistance: Access scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance opportunities to help ease the financial burden of higher education.
Student Loan Resources: We provide crucial details to students about student loans, covering essential information before borrowing and what to know when it is time to repay the loans.
HOPE & PaS Programs: JMG provides Pathway Navigator services to parenting Mainers in the Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) and Parents as Scholars (PaS) programs from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to support participants in reaching their educational and career goals.
Maine Resource Center: From career and academic resources to financial assistance and more, our Maine Resource Center ensures all Mainers have the resources needed to flourish in school and beyond, paving the way for a future filled with prosperity and accomplishment.
Career Exploration Resources: Explore various career paths and industries through our updated career exploration resources, helping students make informed decisions about their future.