INDIANA – An Indianapolis-based company is helping Hoosier families navigate the FAFSA as the state approaches a key financial-aid deadline.

INvestED provides free guidance to students and parents completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the form required to access federal, state, and most college-based financial aid.

“Our sole mission is to help families in all the ways possible to get ready for education beyond high school, planning, preparation, have less student loan debt, all of those different things,” said William Wozniak with INvestED.

Wozniak said FAFSA remains central to that mission, noting that many families miss out on grants and scholarships simply by not filing.

“The FAFSA is the gateway to almost all types of financial aid,” said Wozniak. “It’s for federal student aid, it’s for state of Indiana financial aid, it’s for grants and scholarships. The generous money that comes from the colleges themselves, almost always is tied to filing the FAFSA.”

The priority deadline to submit the FAFSA is April 15. Wozniak said colleges are already preparing aid packages for the upcoming academic year. He encouraged families to begin the process now. “If you’re eligible, we want to make sure you’re in their planning.”

INvestED has operated for over 40 years, offering one-on-one assistance to families completing FAFSA, comparing college costs, and understanding financial-aid awards. While the organization provides information on student and parent loan options, it emphasizes borrowing only what is necessary.

INvestED also hosts workshops, school visits, and FAFSA events statewide. More information can be found on their website.