February 25, 2026 — Applying to college is daunting, and securing financial aid can add another level of stress for students and families. Thanks to this podcast, families and students will get The Inside Scoop on the financial aspects of college or trade school with a focus on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
With FAFSA deadlines approaching, it is important to understand what it means and how to navigate the process.
The podcast guests, Patty DaSilva, a high school counseling consultant, and Gillian Moody, the counseling department chair at Harrison High School, highlight the rising costs of education and the challenges students may face in covering these expenses.
Many postsecondary institutions offer financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Georgia-specific sources of help also include the HOPE Scholarship and the Zell Miller Scholarship. In addition, federal funding sources and private scholarships may provide financial aid based on specific criteria.
The FAFSA is an application, not a source of money itself. The history of FAFSA is mentioned, along with recent changes designed to make it more user-friendly. All students can qualify — not just high-achieving ones — but the Cobb counselors strongly recommend submitting the FAFSA early to avoid potential complications.
To listen to this week's full episode of The Inside Scoop, click HERE.
