The Rhode Student Loan Authority (RISLA) has extended the hours at the College Planning Center of Rhode Island (CPCRI) this month to help families complete their financial aid forms before the common March 1 deadline.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, must be completed in order for students to qualify for federal financial aid, including grants and scholarships. Some colleges also require the CSS PROFILE. The CPCRI is staffed by seasoned financial aid experts who can assist families with the completion process of both the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE forms and significantly cut down the amount of time it takes to file.

Many colleges have a March 1 deadline for receiving financial aid applications so it’s necessary for families to complete the FAFSA and other college financial aid applications in a timely manner so they don’t miss out on available student aid.

The CPCRI has three convenient locations and their services are provided at no cost. They are located at the Warwick Mall, at 576 Metacom Avenue in Bristol, and in Cumberland at the Boys & Girls Club of Cumberland-Lincoln.  

The expanded hours at the Warwick Mall are: Monday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Appointments are required and can be made online at www.collegeplanningcenter.org or by phone at 736-3170.

The College Planning Center of Rhode Island is a free service provided by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority.