Hocking College Helping Students Unlock Opportunities During Financial Aid Awareness Month
NELSONVILLE, Ohio – Each February, colleges across the country recognize Financial Aid Awareness Month, highlighting the resources available to help students and families pursue higher education affordably. At Hocking College, that commitment extends well beyond a single month. Year-round, the college works to ensure students across southeast Ohio understand and can access grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance that help reduce the cost of college and create new opportunities.
Due largely to lack of awareness or completion barriers, only about 52 percent of Ohio high school seniors completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in 2024, leaving millions of dollars in federal financial aid unclaimed. To help address this gap, Hocking College offers FAFSA workshops, one-on-one assistance, and personalized financial aid counseling to guide students through the process and connect them with available support.
“Financial aid is one of the most powerful tools for expanding access to education”, said Dr. Betty Young, president of Hocking College.
“Completing the FAFSA opens the door to federal, state, and institutional grants that do not need to be repaid,” Young said. “Last year alone, students nationwide left nearly two billion dollars in Pell Grants unclaimed. At Hocking College, we want to make sure students and families in our region don’t leave that opportunity on the table.”
February is also a key time for high school students considering College Credit Plus (CCP), Ohio’s dual-enrollment program. Sign-ups for CCP begin in February and run through April. The program allows students in 7th through 12th grade to earn college credit at no direct cost, saving Ohio families millions of dollars each year. More than half of CCP students statewide take their courses through an Ohio community college. Home school families also have the option to enroll in CCP. The funding application deadline is April 1. Parents must create a SAFE account to submit the funding application. For more information about the funding application process, visit safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal.
College Credit Plus has made a meaningful difference for students and families, said Hocking’s Director of Educational Pathways, Alicia Pae. "Students can earn college credits that will count toward both their high school graduation and future college degrees,” Pae said. “CCP helps students get a head start academically while reducing the overall cost and time of college.”
Hocking College also provides additional personalized support through programs such as federal TRIO services, which are designed to assist first-generation students, individuals from limited-income households, and students with documented disabilities. These services include academic coaching, financial literacy support, hands-on FAFSA assistance and a built-in community that helps students feel connected, supported, and confident in their place on campus.
“Ohio’s community colleges deliver the greatest value in higher education by combining affordability with strong workforce outcomes,” said Avi Zaffini, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. “Financial aid removes barriers so more Ohioans can access training and credentials that lead directly to in-demand jobs.”
“A range of Ohio scholarships supports these pathways, and Workforce Pell will soon help expand financial assistance for short-term programs aligned with workforce needs,” Zaffini said.
Community colleges remain the most affordable entry point into higher education, allowing students to save thousands of dollars while working toward a bachelor’s degree or entering the workforce through short-term certificates and associate degrees.
“Our goal is to provide clarity, reassurance, and hands-on support,” Young said. “Financial aid isn’t just for recent high school graduates. Adults returning to school, career changers, and working parents may also qualify for assistance.”
To learn more about Hocking College’s financial aid opportunities, CCP, or upcoming FAFSA events, visit https://www.hocking.edu/financial-aid.
###