FAFSA deadline set for March 15

The Houston Independent School District is reminding high school seniors that the deadline for applying for financial aid for college is Friday, March 15.

According to a district press release, Tuesday, Jan. 1 was the first day for members of the class of 2013 to begin the application process.

The district held several Free Applications for Federal Student Aid workshops to prepare students and parents to complete the process.

"Filling out the FAFSA is extremely important because it is the only way a student can qualify for federal, state and college financial aid," said Adam Essex with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Federal Student Aid, in the release. "One of the most common mistakes students and parents make is to wait too long to fill out the application."

Each year, the Office of Federal Student Aid offers more than $150 billion through grants, loans and work-study funds to help students pay for higher education.

Applications can be submitted online by visiting www.fafsa.gov.

Essex added that even though the federal government doesn't have a firm deadline for applications, all 50 states do. In Texas, that deadline is Friday, March 15.

The Houston Independent School District is at 4400 W. 18th St., Houston.

For more information, call 713-556-6000 or visit www.houstonisd.org.