McDowell Technical Community College has kicked off a new campaign encouraging students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to maximize eligibility for financial support for the 2026-2027 school year.
FAFSA completion is required for all federal and state financial aid programs and is also used to determine eligibility for a wide range of local grants and scholarships administered by the college. McDowell Tech officials emphasize that completing the FAFSA early is one of the most important steps students can take to ensure that they are considered for the broadest possible set of awards, especially local assistance, which may have limited availability.
“Many students assume the FAFSA is only for very restrictive federal grants and loans, but that’s not true,” said Hannah Golding, Director of Financial Aid and Veteran’s Affairs at McDowell Tech. “The FAFSA is the gateway to all sorts of grants, scholarships, and work-study funding. Completing it early helps us build the strongest financial aid package possible for each student, including local grants and scholarships that may have early award deadlines.”
Completing the FAFSA Is Quick, and Can Have a Huge Payoff
Most individuals can complete the FAFSA in less than 30 minutes, and for returning students, the process can take less than 15 minutes. McDowell Tech encourages students to complete it now to avoid missing deadlines and to allow adequate time for processing. The College’s Financial Aid staff are available to help students complete the FAFSA during regular business hours. For added convenience, the College offers designated walk-in FAFSA completion assistance in the One Stop Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. No appointment is required.
FAFSA Process Overview: What Students Should Do
Before starting, students should gather key information such as:
• 2024 federal tax return information (used for Fall 2026 financial aid eligibility)
• Records of any child support received (if applicable)
• Current cash balances and checking/savings balances
• If applicable: net worth of businesses, farms, or investments
• Parent/spouse email address, plus name, date of birth, and Social Security number (when required)
After gathering these documents, follow these procedures:
1. Go to studentaid.gov and create a free account to obtain an FSA ID (a username and password used to access and sign the FAFSA)
2. Access the 2026-2027 FAFSA
3. Enter required financial details using official documents, such as IRS tax forms (not guesses or estimates)
4. Select the colleges that should receive the FAFSA information — and be sure to include McDowell Technical Community College
Parent Information May Be Required
Most students are required to provide parent financial information unless they meet one of several criteria that classify them as an independent student. Generally, students may be considered independent if they are, but not limited to:
• 24 years old or older
• Married
• A graduate or professional student
• A veteran or active member of the U.S. Armed Forces
• An orphan, ward of the court, or in foster care
McDowell Tech: FAFSA Completion Is a “Really Big Deal”
McDowell Tech President Dr. J.W. Kelley said the FAFSA completion effort reflects the college’s commitment to keeping higher education accessible for students from all walks of life.
“Completing the FAFSA is a really big deal,” Kelley said. “It’s one of the most important steps students can take right now to make college more affordable. At McDowell Tech, our goal is to ensure education is available and accessible for students of all backgrounds, and completing the FAFSA early helps open doors to grants, scholarships, and other assistance that can change a student’s future.”
All financial aid programs, scholarships, and grants administered through the college are awarded according to eligibility guidelines and administered without regard to race, sex, creed, national origin, or other protected categories.
To begin the FAFSA, visit studentaid.gov. Do it now!
