College Financial Aid
Normally, colleges will award accepted students a financial aid package which consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or work study. Most schools will require students to file a FAFSA before they determine the financial aid package.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free federal government form that helps determine your expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is how much your family can contribute to your education based on your family’s income, assets and tax return (questions will refer to lines from 1040 and 1040A). The FAFSA will be available January 1st of your senior year and must be submitted along with the GPA Verification Form by March 2nd for
FAFSA website www.fafsa.ed.gov
Scholarships and Grants do not need to be repaid. These are either from the college or university or from outside sources. Scholarships can be based on merit or on financial need. Most schools offer some form of scholarships for GPA and/or SAT I/ACT scores. Please ask the college or university for more information on their scholarship and grant options.
Click here for a list of scholarships due in March and April
Loans are usually offered from the government. Some have a fixed interest rate and others the government pays the interest while you are in college. These loans are usually based on financial need. The college or university you were accepted to has all the information you need on loan opportunities.
Finaid.org www.finaid.org
Nellie Mae www.nelliemae.org
Sallie Mae www.salliemae.com
U.S. Department of Education www.studentaid.ed.gov