A Guide to Financial Aid for College
Financial Aid is any grant or scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to help a student meet his/her college expenses. Such aid is usually provided by various sources such as federal and state agencies, colleges, high schools, foundations, and corporations. The amount of financial aid that a student receives is determined through federal, state and institutional guidelines. Grants include aid the student receives that need not be repaid; loans must be repaid. Interest rates and repayment terms vary by program. Employment is aid based on an hourly rate for work performed.
To help our students coordinate funding and scholarships for their future education, we’ve put together some resources.
Research Schools
It’s important to start at the beginning when it comes to financial aid for college. Different schools will have different options for aid internally (i.e. different scholarships available, etc.) and outside sources such as third-party scholarships will have certain standards about the schooling that they’re funding. As you research different schooling options, make sure that your chosen university is accredited. An accredited college not only ensures that you’re getting a well-rounded education, but also makes it easier to get financial aid, transfer credits, find a job, and enroll in post-grad education.
Calculate Your College Budget
Understand College Loans and Financial Aid
- BigFuture Paying for College
- Paying for College Guide
- Understanding Student Loans
- Guide to Understanding Financial Aid
- FASFA Walkthrough
- Online Course on Paying for College