College Financial Aid Call-In

aired live January 30, 2008

Each winter, families of high school seniors begin the process of applying for admission to college—and figuring out how to pay for it. KET’s annual College Financial Aid Call-In brings together experts from Kentucky colleges and state agencies to provide general information about the process and to answer specific questions from viewers.

The 2008 edition of the program, hosted by KET’s Bill Goodman, features these panelists:

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The panelists discuss timelines for applying for financial aid, stressing the importance of starting early; the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, the starting point for applying for financial aid; and Kentucky state financial aid programs such as the merit-based Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), the need-based College Access Program (CAP), and the Kentucky Tuition Grant for students attending private colleges. Other topics include

  • advice on choosing a school and the relationship between the admissions and financial aid processes
  • financial aid resources for non-traditional students, senior citizens, students with disabilities, and graduate students
  • factors that affect how the expected family contribution to the cost of college is calculated
  • federal grants, loans, and work-study programs

College Financial Aid Call-In is a KET production, produced and directed by Nick Helton. The program is closed-captioned for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. It is available on DVD or videotape from KET; call or e-mail , (800) 945-9167, for information.

Several previous call-ins are also available for viewing online.


For More Information:
Online Financial Aid Resources

  • Start the application process with FAFSA online, the electronic version of the required federal form. This form is used to gather the basic family financial information, which is then sent to all schools designated by the applicant. For answers to general questions about the FAFSA, call (800) 4FED-AID.
  • Students may apply for federal financial aid programs online, using a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) as an electronic signature. The U.S. Department of Education’s PIN registration site has details and instructions.
  • On College Goal Sunday in late January, prospective college students can get free professional advice on financial aid as well as help in filling out application forms at numerous sites across Kentucky.
  • Going to College, from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, is an overview of how to plan for higher education.
  • Because each student’s situation is unique and individual institutions’ financial aid policies vary, the financial aid office at the school you’re interested in attending is a valuable resource. The CPE site includes a round-up of links to Kentucky’s state-supported and independent colleges.
  • The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority is a clearinghouse of information on Kentucky financial aid programs. The web site includes numerous planning tools, from explanations of KEES, CAP, and other programs to a student loan payment calculator. General information is also available by phone at (800) 928-8926.
  • Remember: The priority deadline to file for financial aid is March 1 of every year!
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