College Goal Sunday is a statewide volunteer program that provides free information and assistance to students and families who are applying for financial aid for post secondary education. College Goal Sunday brings together financial aid professionals from colleges and universities along with other volunteers to help college-bound students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form is required for any student seeking federal and state financial aid, including grants and loans at all colleges in the country.

The College Goal Sunday program is offered on a Sunday afternoon, usually between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at several locations around the state. Check on the College Goal Sunday map and click on any state to find specific times, locations and directions.

College Goal Sunday is open to all college–bound students regardless of age. Whether a traditional student right out of high school or an adult who is returning or pursuing higher education for the first time, College Goal Sunday will assist all prospective students in the completion of the FAFSA form, accurately and on time. Dependent students (those under 24) should bring a parent or legal guardian. Independent students (24 or over) will not require a parent’s income information. All should bring completed IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other income and benefits information. Even if taxes have not been completed, students and families can estimate their information and make corrections at a later time.

Many states make provisions for students and families who cannot attend on the day of the event, either through a telephone hotline or follow-up services. Each state listed on the national map on this site provides contact information for either a College Goal Sunday program or financial aid resources within that state.

College Goal Sunday provides assistance in applying for financial aid to families who need it. By delivering help to families in their own communities, College Goal Sunday helps ensure that students get the help they need crossing the paper barrier to qualify for financial aid.

Most students and families need assistance in paying for higher education expenses. The FAFSA form is the gateway to accessing financial aid resources, which include school loans. Secondly, a family’s situation may change at some point during the school year resulting in a major reduction in income. If the FAFSA has been filed in a timely manner, adjustments can be made as long as the filing deadline has not been missed.

Many students are not sure if they will be attending right after high school. By filling out the FAFSA there is no obligation to attend, however, by completing the FAFSA form, deadlines will not be missed if the student decides to apply to college later in the year.