Now that we are getting started with college applications, many students have questions and concerns about paying for college. There are many ways to help pay for college. One of the main methods is through federal, state and school financial aid. Applying for financial aid does not start till January, but we wanted to give you a little information about fianancial aid. Right now the focus is applying for four year colleges.
Q. What is financial aid?
A. Financial aid is money a student applies for in order to help pay for their college education. It is open to students enrolling in 4 year universities, as well as community colleges, private schools and vocational and trade schools.
Q. What types of aid are there?
A. Federal aid consists of federal grants Pell Grant, Supplemental Grants, and federal loans for students and parents. Federal aid might also consist of Federal Work Study for the student. State aid consists of California Grants. Public universities in the state also offer university and state university state tuition grants, and community colleges offer the Board of Governors Fee Waiver. Scholarships are also available on. Go to the College & Career Center K-4 weekly and pick up a senior bulletin and check out what scholarships are available.
Q. Who can apply for federal and state aid?
A. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have the proper INS document.
Q. When can you start applying for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA for short)?
A. Application for the class of 2010 opens January 1, 2010. You are completing the FAFSA for 2010-11 (Academic Year 2010-11
Q. How do I begin?
A. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and print the worksheet for 2010-11 (it is not available until January 1st).
Q. What if my parents don’t file federal taxes and they are on social security?
A. If your parent does not file taxes and has other sources of income, i.e. social security, unemployment, or public assistance.
Q. How do I apply for the free federal aid?
A. You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on line. If you want a paper copy of the application you will have to call 1-800 4FED-AID and request a paper FAFSA for the 2010-11 school year if they are available.
Q. How can I get help completing the FAFSA on line?
A. Attend financial aid information night. Make sure you participate in the on line FAFSA workshops being offered on campus for FREE! Don’t pay anyone to help you, the help is FREE!
