Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Four categories of Financial aid.

Financial aid is usually awarded in the form of a "package". A package is a combination of grants, loans work study, and sometimes scholarships. Packages are awarded through the financial aid office and will vary from college to college.

Grants - Funds that do not have to be repaid, usually given to the student because of financial need.
Loans - Money that must be paid back with interest.
College Work Study - Money that student earn through a campus job.
Scholarships - Money that does not have to be repaid, awarded because a student is outstanding in some areas.

Steps for applying for financial aid.

In the fall of your senior year,complete the individual financial aid (and scholarships) application forms for each college to which you are applying to.
Obtain a FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) from the Guidance office in December and have all of your tax information organized early or apply online after January 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Approximately 3-10 weeks after you have mailed your FAFSA, you will receive an SAR ( Student Aid Report)Which will inform you of your EFC ( Estimated family contribution ).This is the amount they have determined you can afford to pay for your education that year.
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, even if not qualified for any need base aid, still complete the FAFSA. Colleges and organizations often want it verified that students are not eligible for need based aid before they award non-need based aid.In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges also require the submission of the CSS/ Financial Aid Profile .Contact the Guidance office for more information and forms or go to www.collegeboard.com
In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges also require the submission of the CSS/ Financial Aid Profile .Contact the Guidance office for more information and forms or go to www.collegeboard.com.

Applying for scholarships

There are thousands of scholarships; however, most of these scholarships have very specific eligibility criteria (e.g., have leadership skills, strong community service, a specific major, etc.). The important thing is to search out and read about the scholarships available, if you qualify.
In order for a scholarship to be awarded from colleges, students generally must have an outstanding GPA, high score on the SAT and on the ACT, excellent recommendations, and be involved in extracurricular and/ or community activities. To receive an athletic or talent scholarship, a student must truly be outstanding.
Some programs base their awards on financial need, others on need plus criteria, and still others do not consider need at all .A lot of scholarships are tied to particular colleges and universities.
Many have a very detailed eligibility requirements. You might have to live in a certain area, want to attend a particular college, pursue a particular course of study, and meet certain high standards. BEFORE APPLYING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, verify your eligibility by reading the requirements carefully.

When applying for scholarships:

Start early, Begin looking into possible's during junior year. Be ready to locate and complete applications early in the senior year.
Seniors will receive a monthly newsletter, it will list all scholarships available.
Finding and applying for scholarships takes time, energy, and persistence.
Visit and get to know the college financial aid officer. Understanding their financial aid process.
Be aware of deadlines. Scholarship applications become available throughout a student's senior year and sometimes are due only weeks after being publicized.
Check for scholarships opportunities with employers, your church, any organization to which you and your parents belong, etc. Look for scholarship opportunities in your local newspapers.
Look for books and computer programs with scholarship information
Be organized. Make sure your teachers and counselors are given plenty of time to prepare letters of recommendations and transcripts.
Remember that students who are not able to get scholarships often are able to get need-base financial aid.

Additional Scholarship& Financial aid Sites

Fastweb.com | college-scholarships.com | mba.com | waedfoundation.org | osca.ca

centralaz.edu | dickinson.edu | greenriver.edu | careerservices.edu

college-scholarships.com | uheaa.org | cslf.com | collegeboard.com |

fafsa.com | finaid.org | mapping-your-future.org | nasfaa.org

petersons.com | salliemae.com