Financial Aid

Conquering College Costs Resources 2018-19:

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Financial aid is the assistance that may be provided to students to pay for college. It may include federal and state funds, money from private sources or from the college you attend, or from on-campus jobs. Do not wait until you have been accepted to a college to apply for financial aid. The costs associated with college may include:

  • Tuition (the cost of classes)
  • Student Fees
  • Books & Supplies
  • Transportation

Applying for Financial Aid

All students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form helps the government and colleges determine eligibility for financial aid programs. The FAFSA must be completed as soon as possible after October 1st of the student's senior year (or the year you plan to begin College). Most colleges recommend the FAFSA be submitted no later than the first week of November during the student's senior year.   Financial aid money is awarded on a first- come, first-served basis. In submitting your FAFSA later than the first week of November, students run the risk of receiving less financial aid award money.

Financial Aid Packages

About 6-8 weeks after you complete your FAFSA, you will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) listing all the information you submitted. Check the SAR, make any corrections and re-submit the form. Each college will calculate a financial aid package for you, which could include a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. Financial Aid packages are calculated based on the amount of money each family and student is “expected” to contribute. Because financial aid packages do not always cover the entire cost of college, you should consider applying for private scholarships.

After you are accepted into a college, review the financial aid package awarded. Sometimes schools with high tuition and expenses may cost less than a college with lower tuition because of the amount of financial aid you receive. When you receive all your financial aid awards, compare them and decide on the school you will attend. Notify the Financial Aid Office of that school and obtain and complete all necessary forms.