Many students and families believe that higher education pays off, but worry that they cannot afford college. The good news is that each year, the federal government offers over $150 billion in federal student aid to help students pay for college.

At the same time, millions who are eligible don’t complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In 2013, over $2.9 billion in free federal grant money was left unclaimed, including over $11.2 million right here in Hawaii. This aid could have helped more of Hawaii’s students attend college.

The FAFSA helps students and families identify the financial aid for which they are eligible. If you are applying for student grants, work-study, or loans you must complete and submit the FAFSA each year you are in school. Many scholarships also require the FAFSA application, including University of Hawaii’s “Hawai‘i Promise,” which provides free in-state tuition to qualified UH Community College students with financial need.

According to a report by the University of Hawaii Economic Resource Organization, UH college graduates from our two- and four-year colleges, have higher lifetime earnings.

Other studies have shown that those with college degrees are more likely to vote and to be satisfied in their lives. By helping our students attend college, we are investing in Hawaii’s future workforce and providing students with greater opportunities for success and satisfaction.

Although some college financial aid priority deadlines have already passed, the federal deadline, which includes the Pell Grant, is June 30, so there’s still time to apply.

A top priority of local high schools has been helping students complete the FAFSA by holding hands-on workshops and providing one-on-one assistance. Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education also provides data to schools so they know who has completed the application and who needs additional follow-up.

FAFSA completion numbers show that students still need support. Here’s how parents and families can help:

>> Fill out the FAFSA, whether you think your child is eligible or not. You might be surprised to find that some aid is available to you. Also, if your financial situation changes, it’s much harder to access aid later on if you have not completed the FAFSA.

>> Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DTR) that allows you to input your tax information directly into the FAFSA in the fastest, most accurate and secure way.

>> If you are unsure of something, ask questions. If you are a parent, check with your child’s high school college counselor or contact a college financial aid office to help you navigate the financial aid process. The Federal Student Aid website, https://studentaid.ed.gov, also offers tools on how to complete the FAFSA.

Let’s do everything we can to help our students access the financial aid opportunities available to them so they can achieve their educational and career aspirations.