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Feb 7, 2025
Three Outstanding (and Free) FAFSA Resources for Students and Families
Navigating the world of financial aid can be a daunting task for students and their families. With unfamiliar terminology, deadline pressure, and not knowing where to go for support, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are several free, reliable tools designed to help simplify the process. Whether students and families are new to the process of applying for federal financial aid and want to better understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or are nearing the end of the process and want to make an informed decision about comparing financial aid offers, there are resources to guide them every step of the way. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) highlights three of the best free FAFSA resources that can help make the financial aid journey more straightforward.
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Press Releases
Access MCAN's press release archive for details on new and past announcements and announcements regarding higher education, advising, and grants.

Fiscal year 2026 proposal includes increased investments in student success, postsecondary access

New data from Lumina Foundation show 0.7% increase in Michiganders with college degrees and certificates.

Partnership between Michigan College Access Network and Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals offers professional development opportunity for aspiring K-12 principals

Blog
Authored by MCAN staff, board members, and partners, our blog shares different perspectives of the college access journey in Michigan.
Alessandra Cipriani-Detres

Navigating the world of financial aid can be a daunting task for students and their families. With unfamiliar terminology, deadline pressure, and not knowing where to go for support, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are several free, reliable tools designed to help simplify the process. Whether students and families are new to the process of applying for federal financial aid and want to better understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or are nearing the end of the process and want to make an informed decision about comparing financial aid offers, there are resources to guide them every step of the way. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) highlights three of the best free FAFSA resources that can help make the financial aid journey more straightforward.

Dr. Ty Forquer

MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss testified on SB 1142, which would change professional development requirements for school counselors, before the Michigan Senate Education Committee meeting on Dec. 10, 2024.

Dr. Ty Forquer

MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss testified on SB 463, Universal FAFSA, before the Michigan House Education Committee meeting on Dec. 10, 2024.

In the News
Stay up-to-date on the latest in college access with announcements, blog posts, and related news from MCAN and our partners. Explore MCAN's work featured in statewide and national publications and media outlets.
Whitmer's budget would boost college scholarships, help with rising costs

Crain's Detroit Business

“To compete in the global economy, Michigan needs to build a flexible, well-educated workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This budget demonstrates the governor’s commitment to our future by supporting increased college readiness, participation and completion," MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss said in a statement.

IM Schools receives state grant for FAFSA participation

The Iron Mountain Daily News

MiLEAP is partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to support districts in their efforts. The Iron Mountain school board last month approved a change its graduation policy to accommodate the FAFSA initiative.

College aid form completion recovers in Michigan after debacle, but key issue remains

The Detroit News

"Even though we have a small uptick, that's a win, and we want to celebrate that," Fewins-Bliss said. "But we are still leaps and bounds away from where we were at the peak time of enrollment and FAFSA completion."