Date
Saturday
Feb

February 1-28

Financial Aid Awareness Month

Don't miss out on opportunities for financial aid this month! Get informed and take advantage of resources to help with college costs during Financial Aid Awareness Month.

Yearly Date
February 1
Type
Month
Category
Federal

Introduction

February 1 marks the start of Financial Aid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to pursue their academic dreams through financial assistance. This month also coincides with the beginning of many college application deadlines, making it the perfect time to learn about the various resources available for funding your education. Whether you're a high school student preparing for college or an adult looking to further your career, this month is all about helping you achieve your goals without breaking the bank. So let's dive in and discover all that Financial Aid Awareness Month has to offer!

Financial Aid Awareness Month Timeline

1954
Introduction of Educational Loans
The first federal student loan program, the National Defense Education Act, was established following the launch of the Sputnik by USSR.
1965
Inception of FAFSA
The creation of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form stemmed from the Higher Education Act, signed by President Johnson.
1972
Birth of Pell Grants
Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, later renamed Pell Grants, were introduced to offer need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students.
1992
Direct Loan Program Initiated
The Federal Direct Student Loan Program was set up to provide loans directly to students and parents, stemming from amendments to the Higher Education Act.
2008
Expansion of Pell Grants
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act provided the largest increase in aid since the GI Bill, expanding Pell Grant funding.
2013
Financial Aid Awareness Month
The U.S. Congress officially established February as Financial Aid Awareness Month to spread awareness about the process of applying for financial aid.

How to Celebrate Financial Aid Awareness Month

1

Host a financial aid workshop

Gather students and their families to educate them about the importance of financial aid and how to navigate the application process. This can be done in collaboration with your school or local community organizations.

2

Create a social media campaign

Use social media platforms to share information about financial aid resources, tips, and success stories. Encourage students to ask questions and share their own experiences with financial aid.

3

Organize a scholarship search party

Get students together to search for scholarships online. Offer guidance and assistance in finding scholarships that match their interests and qualifications.

4

Host a financial aid trivia night

Make learning about financial aid fun by hosting a trivia night focused on financial aid topics and resources. Offer prizes for the winners to make it even more exciting.

5

Partner with local businesses for discounts

Reach out to local businesses and see if they would be willing to offer discounts or promotions for students who present their financial aid award letters. This can help students save money on everyday expenses while also promoting the importance of financial aid.

Why Financial Aid Awareness Month is Important

A

It helps students access higher education

Financial aid provides vital support for students who may not have the means to pay for their college education. By raising awareness about the resources available, more students can pursue their dreams of higher education and improve their career prospects.

B

It promotes financial responsibility and literacy

Financial aid awareness month is a time to educate individuals about loans, grants, scholarships, and other forms of aid available. This not only helps students make informed decisions about their own finances, but also fosters a culture of financial responsibility in society.

C

It highlights the importance of investing in education

By promoting scholarship opportunities and spreading knowledge about financial aid options, Financial Aid Awareness Month emphasizes the value and impact of investing in education for both individuals and society as a whole. It serves as a reminder that access to quality education should be attainable for everyone, regardless of financial background.

Financial Aid Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jan 31
Tuesday
2024
Jan 31
Wednesday
2025
Jan 31
Friday
2026
Jan 31
Saturday
2027
Jan 31
Sunday