High School seniors are getting a jump start on applying for financial aid

Grand Forks, ND (WDAY TV) -- High School seniors are getting a jump start applying for financial aid. College Goal Sunday helps families plan for life after high school.

Luke Opp, High School Senior: "I think we already would have been about another hour behind where we are right now if we wouldn't have had any help." (0:05)

Red River High School Senior Luke Opp knows he has a lot to do preparing for college in the next few months... Some are big decisions like choosing a major...

Luke: "I've been looking into maybe going into accounting, anything like that."

Others seem like small tasks.

Luke Opp, High School Senior: "I've been kind of doing a little bit periodically you know, during the year so it hasn't really felt like all the much, but I mean when you kind of think back on it, it's quite a bit."

High school seniors across the state got free help filling out FAFSA... That's the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Kellie Choate, UND Financial Aid System Specialist: "A lot of them are just really relieved because it is such, you know, a confusing process. They're just really glad that we're able to help them through it."

For many high school aged students, just the thought of going to college can be stressful. But families agree that today's help is one more task they can check off the list.

Mary Haslerud Opp, Luke's Mom: "It's taking one of the stresses off.

It's sort of like we have to have a little checklist because we have things to do periodicaly throughout the process, but I think we're on a good road to getting it all done-- hopefully we are!"

For many students, financial aid is the difference between continuing their education or stopping after their high school diploma... So any financial guidance is appreciated.

The priority deadline for state Aid is April 15th.

Tags: higher education, grand forks, news, money, updates