Financial Aid

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Besides just finding a school, applying to the school, and getting accepted into the school, I also need to worry about how I'm going to pay for it? Don't worry, sometimes the biggest obstacle to attending college is believing that it is too expensive. The truth is that it is possible for everyone to find ways to pay for an education. But, you have to be willing to look for them.

Financial aid is money in the form of loans, grants, and employment that is available to students to help pay the cost of their higher education. Financial aid comes from the federal government, which is the largest provider of aid, as well as state governments, schools, and a variety of other public and private sources.

Most people start the financial aid process shortly after being accepted into a school. But if your smart you will have prepared long before the fat envelope arrives. If you wait until you’ve been accepted, their grants and scholarships may already be gone. The same thing applies to all areas of financial aid, scholarships, loans, everything. Its the early bird that catches the worm, so the sooner you start, the better.

Government Aid

Federal Government Aid
Here you'll find information about the various forms of aid available from the federal government.

Fellowships & Grants
These are great sources of financial aid because, unlike loans, they don't have to be paid back.

Military Aid
Aid resources for veterans and their dependents, and for students interested in pursuing careers in the military.

National Service
Volunteering can not only help the disadvantaged, but it can provide money for your college education. Learn about the National Service Scholarships Program, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and Senior Corps.

State Government Aid
Look here for pointers to state aid programs and residency requirements for in-state tuition.

Tax Credit
The HOPE Scholarship Credit establishes a tax credit for higher education.

Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program provides jobs for students with demonstrated need established from the FAFSA. The jobs tend to be community service work or work that is directly related with your course of study.

Other Aid

College Controlled Aid
From financial aid policies and procedures, to tuition payment plans, and school-specific scholarships and fellowships, look here for information on college controlled aid.

Scholarships
Many institutions, both public and private, hold contests that offer cash scholarships to students.