GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - For many high school seniors, moving on to college is just months away.

Families across the state participated in College Goal Sunday today, with hopes of preparing for the costs that come with a college degree.

Locally, Colorado Mesa University hosted a College Goal Sunday forum today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on campus.

The main goal is to assist families with the financial aid process.

Some of the resources families could use included free professional guidance on ways to pay for college and learning how to apply and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as a FASFA.

"This is just a great way to get them started. Even if their taxes aren't done they can get all their valid information in their demographics, where they want to go to school," said Marianna Mercado, Colorado Mesa University financial aid counselor.

Along with all the free help today, over $20,000 in scholarships were given away through the College Sunday program.

The event was held at 15 other locations in Colorado, in an effort to help families pay for higher education.