Lakeshore Technical College Hosting 2 Financial Aid Open Houses

Lower completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) among area high school seniors are being reported on the Federal Student Aid website studentaid.gov. To assist students and parents in completing the application, Lakeshore Technical College is hosting two FAFSA & Scholarship Open House Nights. Events are scheduled for March 11 at LTC Manitowoc, 600 York St., and March 18 at LTC Sheboygan, 1320 Niagara Ave. Attendees may stop by either event anytime between 5-7 p.m.

LTC recommends attendees bring their 2019 tax returns and associated records. Parents or guardians of dependent students are encouraged to attend with students. Masks and physical distancing are required on all Lakeshore campuses.

Details and registration can be found at gotoltc.edu/fafsa-open-house. 

Many families have difficulties completing the FAFSA, which is required for students seeking federal funds to help pay for college. It is also normally required by colleges providing need-based scholarships. The amount of aid received is often a key factor in a student’s college decisions. During the 2019-2020 academic year, 47 percent of program students at LTC received financial aid, excluding scholarships.

Fewer students completing the FAFSA may lead to more spring graduates entering the lower paying unskilled workforce rather than preparing for higher paying jobs requiring training and education beyond high school. Sheboygan North High School seniors completed 115 FAFSA forms, which is 12 percent fewer than last year. Manitowoc Lincoln High School seniors completed 86 FAFSA forms, or 18 percent fewer than last year. 

Data on the Federal Student Aid website includes FAFSA forms processed through February 19, 2021 and the same time period last year.