The Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) has announced the release of the 2013-2014 Iowa Financial Aid Application.  The application, which can be accessed through the state-designated career information system, www.IHaveAPlanIowa.gov, allows students to apply for five state-administered financial aid programs through one application process.  Collectively, the programs provided almost $8 million in funding for students during the 2011-12 academic year.

The Iowa Financial Aid Application serves as the application for the following programs:

• All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
• All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant
• Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship
• Education and Training Voucher Program, and, the Iowa National Guard Education Assistance Program (NGEAP)

The Iowa Financial Aid Application does not replace the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov.  Students who complete their FAFSAs online will have the opportunity to link directly from their FAFSA confirmation page to the Iowa Financial Aid Application

Deadlines play a critical role and often determine the amount of financial assistance available to help students pay for college.  Students are encouraged to apply early to meet the priority deadlines associated with different programs.  The Iowa Financial Aid Application indicates the priority application deadlines for each of the five programs included in the application.  More information about financial aid and products and services that help Iowa families plan, prepare and pay for college is also available on Iowa College Aid’s website at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.