FAFSA for Students with Non-Traditional Needs

The Cowen Institute has a deep commitment to helping students in New Orleans access financial aid for college. They have previously monitored Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates in New Orleans and Atlanta, provided resources to help FAFSA completion, and currently convene collaboratives of college counselors and youth practitioners to encourage knowledge sharing and best practice development. This publication provides information about the FAFSA to school counselors, teachers, practitioners, parents, family members, and students. Many students have special circumstances that qualify them as 'non-traditional' students for the purpose of the application. This report highlights some of those situations and provides practical information and resources to help these students maximize their access to federal student aid. A list of additional resources is included.