Yuma, Arizona - Bailey Figueroa is graduating from Arizona Western College with her associate’s degree thanks to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funding.
She was initially inspired to pursue higher education after watching her older sister, Tiffany, become the first person in their family to graduate from college. Bailey wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps, but finances were an obstacle. Without financial aid, she would have only been able to take two classes per semester due to cost.
After learning about FAFSA, however, she discovered that the process to apply for financial aid was simple.
“By following the online step-by-step instructions, I was able to complete the application successfully. If I ran into a question I did not understand, I was able to contact the AWC Financial Aid Office and they assisted me,” said Bailey.
“With the financial aid I received, I have been able to get all of my college expenses covered so I can focus on my studies. I did not have to worry about finding a full-time job to pay for tuition, books, or meals - because FAFSA funding provided all of that for me.”
Bailey works part-time at AWC’s Financial Aid Office as a financial aid clerk where she helps her peers through the same FAFSA application process that granted her an opportunity to receive her degree. She will be graduating in December with her Associate in Arts degree and plans to continue on with her education at Arizona State University to complete her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. Her sister also attends ASU and is working on her doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy.
Oct. 1, was the first day that students could go online to complete their FAFSA application for funding for the 2019-2020 school year. The application uses tax information from two years prior (2017 taxes).
Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to apply for FAFSA. For more information, visit www.azwestern.edu/finaid or contact the AWC Financial Aid Office (located at the top floor of the 3C Building on the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (928) 344-7634.