‘Paying for College’ information series starting at OTC

Wading through the sea of paperwork and rules related to getting money to go to college can be a daunting task.

Ozarks Technical Community College is working to make that process easier, by increasing its effort to get basic information to students, family members and the public with a new series of financial aid sessions scheduled for the weeks ahead.

“Getting this information to students earlier, rather than later, will help in students’ overall experience in the financial aid process,” said Joan Barrett, Dean of Students and Registrar.

The meetings, part of a series entitled “Paying for College,” will be held on the Springfield campus. The sessions will provide students with more information on what’s exactly needed from start to finish in the financial aid process.

One session is set for Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. and another will be Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. The half-hour long sessions will be in Information Commons West Room 219. Reservations are not required.

“For a long time, we’ve been aware that students have basic questions about starting the process. We try to do it one-on-one but it becomes difficult with the growing enrollment we’ve been experiencing,” Barrett said.

“These will be very broad informational sessions. They will not be individualized sessions.” Barrett said, adding that important dates will financial process will be discussed.

“Until someone tells you to apply early, you wouldn’t necessarily think of it,” she said.

Barrett said her office urges students wanting to attend classes in the fall to apply early and no later than July 1.

“The financial aspects of going to college can be intimidating. There is so much riding on it. If you don’t submit your application and any required paperwork on time, it could impact your ability to attend college. That can make someone very anxious. You can apply anytime after the first of the year. But, the later you apply, it’s likely you’ll receive your money later,” she said.

Additional sessions are planned that will cover other aspects of college finances. For more information, call 417-447-6900. 

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications at Ozarks Technical Community College. Contact him at koehlers@otc.edu.