Finding Money for College


What is Financial Aid?

Scholarships and grants - money that does not have to be paid back
Loans - money that does have to paid back
Work/study - money you have to work for

Where does financial aid come from?

Federal government - Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA)
Colleges and Universities - The schools you are applying to provide your financial aid package each year. They also have scholarship money
Other sources - Foundations, corporations, your high school and community

If you want the money, here is what you have to do

  • Apply to schools meet the deadlines and optimize your chances for aid
  • File the FAFSA form by February 1st (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
  • Read your school's Scholarship Bulletin Board
  • Contact the financial aid office of the schools you have applied to determine how you apply for scholarships at that particular school
  • Check with your parents' employer and organizations they belong to and see if they offer scholarships
  • Create a profile on a scholarship site such as Fastweb (www.fastweb.com)

Have you heard the expression first come first serve? This definitely applies to financial aid. The sooner you apply, the greater chance you have of receiving it.