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Applying to College

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The basics: getting started

Start gathering information early.

Free information is readily available from:

  • High school counselors
  • College and career school financial aid offices (where you plan to attend)
  • Local and college libraries
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • Other Internet sites (search terms student financial aidassistance)
Ask questions: counselors may know if you have exceptional circumstances that affect your eligibility.
Be organized: use calendars to keep on track.
Keep copies of all forms and correspondence: you must reapply for aid each year.
Parents of students: save money long before your child attends college.
FinAid: for Parents
College Savings Plan Network (state "Section 529" plans)
Tax incentives for higher education expenses
Beware of scholarship scams -- don't pay for free information!
Department of Education
Federal Trade Commission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student aid and where it comes from

Basic Assistance Categories

  • Financial need-based
    Remember that students and their parents are responsible for paying what they can-- financial aid is a supplement, not a substitute, for family resources.
  • Non need-based
    Factors include academic excellence, ethnic background, or organization membership. Corporations may also offer assistance to employees and children.

Federal Student Aid

Stafford Loans

Scholarships/grants

Other grants, scholarships, and fellowships, mostly graduate level: search the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) by Beneficiary, such as "Student or Trainee" or "Graduate Student".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Congressional" scholarships

Named for Member of Congress or other prominent individual (such as Byrd Honors Scholarships, Fulbright fellowships
Merit-based and highly competitive
Members of Congress do not play a role in selecting recipients
Search by Beneficiary in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Work study

For questions not covered by the Department of Education website, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.

States offer residents a variety of scholarships, loans, and tuition exemptions.

  • Check with your state higher education agency and guarantee agency.
  • Consider prepaid tuition and college savings ("Section 529")plans: College Savings Plans Network.
  • Search your Internet browser under terms such as student financial aid or assistance AND your state.
Colleges and universities provide some 20% of aid, most need-based. Check university websites and the institution's financial aid office when you apply for admission.

Private foundations, corporations, and organizations offer scholarships or grants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Targeted aid for special groups

 

 

 

 

 

Repaying your loans 

After college, the federal government has ways to help you repay your loans. Eligibility depends upon the type of loan, when it was made, and whether it's in default.