Student Financial Aid

The federal government also provides special assistance to veterans.

Students apply for federal aid through a single application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  FAFSA information is used both by the federal government and by your school to determine eligibility for need-based programs, as well as certain award amounts.

If you have any questions about FAFSA, please phone the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 433-3243.  You should also contact your financial aid office and consult the information provided on the FAFSA website.

Grants and Scholarships

Grant and scholarship money does not need to be repaid, provided that you fulfill the conditions of your grant or scholarship.  Federal grants may require that you maintain certain grades, remain enrolled in school, or continue an eligible vocation.  Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, but certain funds may also be available to students with specific personal backgrounds or career goals.

There are several types of federal grants.  For additional information about these grants, visit the Department of Education website, or consult Funding Education beyond High School, the Department of Education programs guide.  There are also several grant programs funded by the State and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in addition to grants awarded by the campuses of the California State University and University of California systems.  For information about these grants, visit the CSAC website or consult Fund Your Future, the CSAC programs guide.

Schools may also have their own grants.  It is important to speak with your financial aid office to discuss your options, and to investigate what grants may be unique to your school or situation.

For more information about searching for scholarships, review my suggested links, and speak with your financial aid or scholarship office.

The federal government makes loans directly to students and their parents to fund postsecondary studies.  There are four types of federal student loans, each with its own limits and interest rates, but not all of which require a demonstration of financial need.  As a result of the recent Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), all federal loans are now made directly to students by the federal government, without using private, for-profit lenders as middlemen.  (See here for more on how SAFRA benefits us here in Marin and Sonoma Counties.)

Many private lenders do offer student loans, but it is important to consider the benefits of federal loans before turning to a private lender.  Federal loans typically offer lower interest rates and better repayment options than private loans, including repayment options that may be modified to suit your financial situation.  There are also several unique federal programs that allow for reduction or forgiveness of loans for graduates working in certain public-service positions.  Visit www.studentaid.ed.gov and select “Repay Your Loans” for more information about repayment and forgiveness, or consult Funding Education beyond High School, the Department of Education programs guide.  You should also speak with your financial aid office to discuss your options.

It is important to remember that loans will accrue interest, and they cannot be cancelled because of financial hardship, temporary medical problems, or inability to find work.  This is a significant obligation, and it must be considered carefully.

Federal Work-Study

Under the Federal Work-Study program, the federal government funds part-time employment to allow students to earn money to fund their education.  Jobs are available for part- or full-time undergraduate or graduate students based on financial need, and they will often focus on degree-relevant work with a civic benefit.  Federal Work-Study awards and hours will depend upon your level of financial need.  Wages will vary with the nature of the work performed.  Because programs are administered by the participating schools, it is important to discuss work-study options with your financial aid office.

Although it does not qualify as Federal Work-Study, you may also be interested in work opportunities with the federal government.  Visit StudentJobs.gov for a listing of summer work, hiring programs, scholarships, grants, and fellowships with federal agencies.  Visit AmeriCorps for more information on federally funded nonprofit work with unique financial awards for students.

Veterans

You are eligible for federal funds under the post-9/11 GI Bill if you have at least 90 days of aggregate service since September 11, 2001, or if you were discharged on a service-connected disability after 30 days.  Starting August 1, 2011, these funds cover the full net cost of in-state tuition and fees at any public institution, or up to $17,500 per academic year at private or foreign institutions.  Some apprenticeships or on-the-job training may also be eligible for compensation.

Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, participating schools may pay a larger share of tuition for eligible students.  Some participating schools include:

-  Dominican University of California, San Rafael
-  UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business & Boalt Hall School of Law
-  University of San Francisco

For more information, contact your financial aid office and review the information at the GI Bill website.  You can also reach the Veterans Administration at (888) 442-4551.

Search for Scholarships

Scholarships may be awarded by schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, labor unions, businesses, private trusts, or other groups.  They may be awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, personal background, career goals, or other factors.  Many will require their own, unique applications and follow their own procedure for reviewing submissions.