Academics : Scholarship Information

Collegeboard.com and educationplanner.org are the only scholarship sites recommended by this office. In addition, you should never pay to have someone do a scholarship search for you!!! Local scholarship information is available in the guidance office.

What is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that gives the Federal Government an objective way to determine how much a family can afford to pay.

All financial assistance stems from this report. You can apply online or obtain a form from the guidance office in December (an announcement will be made when I receive the forms). You may not apply until January 1st (and should have the forms in before March 1st).

Approximately 3-10 weeks after you have applied, you and your designated colleges will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Your SAR will tell you if you are eligible for financial aid, and it will inform you of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges, in turn, will use this information from your SAR to make up your financial aid package.

Free Money!

Scholarships

Money given to students based on academic performance, financial need, religious affiliation, minority status, heritage, athletic ability, music/art giftedness, or a unique set of criteria that the giver provides.

Also check each particular school’s website! Besides web-sites, consider looking at the companies where your parents work (sometimes they have money to give to an employee’s child), ethnic organizations (may support you if you share their similar background), organizations may sponsor students who plan on pursuing a specific field of study (i.e. nurses, teachers, engineers).

Grants

Money given to the student, typically because of financial need.

Examples:
  • Federal Pell Grant – students must meet federal criteria for financial aid
  • Federal SEOG (Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant) – awarded to low-income students based on the availability of funds at the college
  • College or University Grant – eligibility is determined by the college

Not Free – But Helps!

Work Study:

Work study provides students with on-campus or off-campus employment to help pay for school costs while gaining career-related, hands-on work experience in high-tech and community service positions. Participants generally work 10-15 hours each week during the school year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer. There are deadlines, so contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend for more information.

Loans:

Borrowed money that must be paid back at specific interest rates over a designated timeframe.

  • Stafford Student Loans
  • Perkins Loans
  • PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Loan

The difference among these loans is the amount you are allowed to borrow, the timeframe you have to repay, interest on the loan, and the conditions of the loan.

The best websites for inquiring about financial aid are www.pheaa.org and www.fafsa.ed.gov.