The Basics One of the biggest concerns students and their families have about continuing their education beyond high school is how to pay for courses and programs. Fortunately, there are many sources of financial aid. There are several steps that students and their families must take in order to take advantage of many of these programs, and we hope to provide some basic information on this page.
In order to qualify for most of these types of aid, students and their families should complete the FAFSA (see below). The basic types of financial aid are:
Scholarships & Grants - Scholarships and grants are funds to pay for your education that do not have to be paid back to the issuer. Grants are often based upon financial need, whereas scholarships are based upon merit (grades, accomplishments, etc.). Grants and scholarships can come from the government, private organizations, individuals, or colleges and schools. Use the links on our Scholarships page to search for these valuable sources of money. Look for eligibility requirements, and make sure you meet all deadlines! for more general info about this type of aid.
Loans - Student loans can originate from the federal government or private financial institutions. Make sure you understand who is making your loan and the terms that are associated with the interest that will be charged and the repayment schedule. Click here for more information about student loans.
Work Study - The federal government can provide some students with Federal Work Study opportunities. These programs allow students to work part-time to earn the money needed to help pay for tuition. Many schools also offer work-study programs on campus for students. Click here to learn more about these programs. Don't forget to check with your college for more on their own programs!
Federal Student Aid- Click here to visit this part of the US Department of Education's website that provides a wealth of information on the various types of financial aid offered through the federal government. The federal government provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for qualifying students.
FAFSA- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an essential tool for qualifying for almost all financial aid that will be offered by the government and educational institutions. Completed free and online, the FAFSA uses information provided by the student and his/her family to generate the Student Aid Report (SAR), which determines the student's Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Beginning with the Class of 2016, the FAFSA can be completed during October using their tax records from the previous year. FAFSA Videos- Visit FAFSA's official YouTube page to view several helpful videos regarding the FAFSA and the financial aid process. These videos, in addition to the FAFSA's official website, provide valuable suggestions on how to complete and submit this important document.
Quick College Cost Estimator: A great education costs less than you think. Need-based financial aid can make college an affordable option. Estimate your cost in three minutes at more than 70 top colleges at MyinTuition.org.