Financial Aid

Once you have found the school that interests you, the next step is to figure out how to pay for the costs associated with attendance. Start your educational financial planning with a thorough assessment of the complete costs associated with each school on your list. This will help you accurately compare expenses down the road when you have financial aid offers from each school. You need to factor in not only tuition, but room and board, additional fees, books, supplies and miscellaneous costs.

Once you determine the cost of attendance, you will then need to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). You would get this by completing and submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will then receive a financial aid award package that outlines the types of educational funding for which you are eligible. If applicable, your school will use this to award you financial aid.

Student Financial Aid

U.S. Department of Education student aid is the largest but not the only source! There are other sources of federal aid, including grants and scholarships. Financial assistance programs often vary from school to school, so check with the schools you are interested in for information about state and institutional aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by virtually all two and four-year colleges, universities and career schools for awarding federal student aid and most state and college aid.

College Financial Aid

Financial aid is money for college. It is provided by the United States taxpayers to ensure that everyone who wants a college education has the financial ability to pay for their college expenses.

Financial aid is also a partnership between you, the student, and the college that provides money to help pay college costs. If you receive financial aid, it is expected that you will enroll in courses needed to complete your chosen program, work hard at learning, and move responsibly toward successful completion of your educational goal.