Paying for College

Now that you are ACCEPTED, what's the next hardest part of getting into the college of your dreams: Paying for it! College tuitions for both private and public schools are getting larger and larger each year, but with the right research and hard work, college can be affordable. There are 3 types of financial aid:

PUBLIC FUNDING - STATE AND FEDERAL

The starting point for public financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can list up to six colleges who will receive your student financial aid information on the FAFSA. For FAFSA deadlines, click here. This form gives you an accurate overview of the student financial aid you qualify for, and it will help both you and the school you attend when it's time to award you a specific financial aid package.

Need-based federal aid:

Financing options:

Federal PLUS loans (also known as Direct Plus Loans)
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Also known as Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans)

Another excellent site to explore is www.student.gov. Click on their scholarships link and you will find a wealth of financial aid resources at your fingertips.

COLLEGE-SPECIFIC AWARDS

Your selected college will have specific college scholarship forms to send you. This form should be filled out with the same kind of precision you used when you filled out your college application.

You might also be eligible for other scholarships from your selected college: athletic scholarships, academic awards, departmental awards.

PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Private scholarships are ones that will require a little more effort. You will probably need letters of recommendation as part of the application process, so start thinking of people who know you well such as teachers, friends of the family and professionals in the community. It is helpful to give your references a list of your academic life and achievements to assist with the writing your recommendation. Examples of private scholarships are: