Local college students should keep a close eye on deadlines when applying for student financial aid, according to KHEAA.

As students make their plans for beginning or continuing their postsecondary education, they should try to get all the financial aid they can. To make sure they do so, they need to apply for that aid on a timely basis. Every scholarship or grant they receive will reduce their dependence on student loans.

Here are some helpful student financial aid tips from KHEAA:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible beginning Oct. 1. You must submit the FAFSA to qualify for most state and federal student aid.

• Check with the financial aid offices of the schools to which you’ve applied to determine if they require any forms other than the FAFSA.

• Look for scholarships using a free online scholarship search.

• Attend any college fairs and financial aid seminars offered in your area. If a company charges a fee for helping with applications, remember that you can do that yourself for free. If you decide to pay for help, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the attorney general’s office or the Better Business Bureau in your area, as well as the area where the firm is located.

KHEAA is a public, non-profit agency established in 1966 to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents. For more information, visit kheaa.com.