Each year, many students question how they will pay for their schooling.  Thousands apply for federal assistance but it can be a very confusing process.  That’s why organizers at College Goal Sunday are offering help.

Ashlee Caddy says applying for federal student aid, or FAFSA, was a crucial step in her college planning process.

"I just finished my grad degree and I’ve had to take out financial aid every single semester,” Ashlee said.  “Everyone always thinks that financial aid mean just grants, but its loans too. That’s the reason I needed it,”

Now done with school, Ashlee is a financial aid councilor at Colorado Mesa University.

She’s helping out at College Goal Sunday, hoping to make a process that seems confusing as simple as she can for others.

Financial aid councilor, Marianne Mercodo, says, “FAFSA is the only way to get federal financial aid."

At CMU, officials estimate more than 85% of student that use financial aid.

"It is very important to most students, even non traditional students. The adult student can do a FAFSA and use it. The grad student can do a FAFSA and use it," Mercodo explained.

Because some funding is limited, students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as soon as possible after the first of the year to maximize their chance of receiving aid.

"Hopefully we can get people financial aid, scholarships, anything we can," Ashlee said.