BERRIEN COUNTY ­— Michiana residents thinking about going to any college or university can learn how to make education more affordable during Financial Aid Help Night events at all Lake Michigan College campuses.

The events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the college’s Benton Harbor, Niles and South Haven locations. Attendance is free and open to anyone considering any college or university.

Attendees can learn about a variety of financial aid options, from traditional student loans and work study employment, to public and private scholarships and grants that students don’t have to pay back. Experts will be on hand to help guests complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid used to cover education expenses including tuition, textbooks and room and board.

The college also hopes to bust some common myths about college affordability. About 20 percent of college students don’t apply for financial aid, falsely assuming they’re ineligible because of income, age, test scores or tax filing status, according to the Department of Education. Others are just overwhelmed by all the forms. 

Many families are scared away by tuition rates listed on college websites and don’t realize that the majority of students at both public and private colleges won’t pay near that price.

Lake Michigan College offered more than $600,000 in total scholarship dollars for the 2017 to 2018 academic year through private and publicly funded donations. LMC students received $9,432,311 in federal and state aid during the 2016 to 2017 academic year.

Financial Aid Night attendees who want help with their FAFSA should have their social security or Alien Registration number, their driver’s license number if applicable and their FSA ID if they previously created an account at fsaid.ed.gov. Applicants completing the 2018 to 2019 FAFSA should bring their personal 2016 federal tax returns or IRS W-2 information if no 2016 return was filed. Applicants who are married or might be considered dependents should also bring their spouses’ or parents’ information. Family members are welcome to attend.

LMC’s Benton Harbor campus is located at 2755 East Napier Ave. The Niles campus is at 1905 Foundation Drive, and the South Haven Campus is at 125 Veterans Blvd. Attendees can stop at each campus welcome desk or main office for specific directions to the event.

More information about financial aid is available at lakemichigancollege.edu/finaid or by contacting LMC’s financial aid office at finaid@lakemichigancollege.edu or (269) 927-8112.