FRANKFORT — Kentucky students planning to attend an in-state college or university beginning in fall 2013 should file the 2013-2014 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after Jan. 1. Filing early increases a student’s chance of receiving a state need-based grant administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). The FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.gov.

Students attending Kentucky colleges and universities may qualify for College Access Program (CAP) Grants. To qualify, a student must show financial need and be enrolled for at least half-time toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The maximum CAP Grant award is $1,900 per year.

Students attending most of Kentucky’s private colleges and universities may qualify for a Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG) in addition to a CAP Grant. To qualify for KTG, a student must show financial need and be enrolled full-time. The maximum KTG award is $3,000 per year.

Funding for CAP and KTG is limited, with awards made to qualifying students on a first-come, first-served basis. Award amounts may change based on available funding.

For more information about CAP and KTG, view the KHEAA-administered programs under the Paying for College section on www.kheaa.com or email grants@kheaa.com.

To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, go to www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602; or call (800) 928-8926, ext. 6-7372.