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Counseling Department |
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$$$ Financial Aid $$$ |
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FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid- recommended for all students applying to college. FAFSA Information Center Financial Aid: Money that is given, earned or lent to help pay for a student’s education. There are several ways to obtain money to pay for college. For students who are U.S. citizens completing the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important step. For undocumented students searching for scholarships is the most important. Financial aid is available for career or technical schools, 2 and 4-year colleges and universities. Financial Aid is given in four types (click for more information): Grants Work Study jobs are usually on or near campus and most students work between 10-15 hours a week. Applying for the FAFSA automatically determines qualification for Work Study, although any student may obtain a job while enrolled in college. Scholarships—also see the scholarship link on the counseling website. Students and parents complete the FAFSA in early January to determine what the government thinks the family can pay the following school year for college. FAFSA needs to be completed each year for the next year’s college. Even if families think they will not qualify because they are financially stable they should file the FAFSA. Many other scholarships are merit based and require the FAFSA showing they are ineligible for need based aid. Need based aid: Given to students who have a need for money to go to college. Usually comes in the form of grants, work study and loans. Merit based aid: Given to students who have exceptional abilities, talents, and/or achievements. The families’ financial situation is not taken into consideration. Usually comes in the form of scholarships given by the school, organizations, corporations, religious affiliations, clubs and private donors. Need and Merit based aid: Given to students who both have a need for the money and accomplishments they have had. Such as a scholarship or grant may require a financial need as well as a certain grade point average. The FAFSA must be filed in order to receive financial aid from the federal and state government. Completing the FAFSA is similar to filing an income tax form so parents should have that information ready when completing the FAFSA. Financial aid is generally granted on a "first come, first served" basis so the FAFSA should be submitted as soon after January 1 as possible. Click here for the process: There are some tax benefits that students and parents may utilize to help offset the cost of college. See www.irs.gov for more information. Other helpful websites: www.pin.ed.gov www.collegeparents.org www.fastweb.com http://www.wiredscholar.com www.icanaffordcollege.com www.mappingyourfuture.org www.studentaid.ed.gov www.edfund.org www.edupass.com www.nacacnet.org/MemberPortal/ForStudents/ |
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