PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Here you will find various resources to help you with your college scholarship search and cover the expenses of college. Though many schools offer their own scholarships, the websites linked can be applied for by students, regardless of their corresponding college. Check out the guidelines provided by each available scholarship, loan, or grant to ensure you meet the requirements before filing the application.
FAFSA
What is the FAFSA: FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It assesses your financial position and offers financial aid on need-based circumstances. Completing the FAFSA will determine if or how much support your family needs to achieve student success in college.
Who should fill out the FAFSA: Everyone! Even if you do not qualify for aid, the short and convenient process is worth the potential benefit.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
What is a Scholarship: Scholarships are primarily given based on academic performance or talent. The scholarship money given is not meant to be paid back and many have certain requirements that must be met in order to receive it. These scholarship websites will provide the requirements to apply including career goals, race, or family history.
How to find Scholarships: Applying for scholarships is an accessible way for students to support their educational journey. By using these resources, you will learn there are far more available scholarships for you than you may have realized. Ranging from federal grants to personal donors, scholarship money is a great way to make college more affordable.
What is a scholarship essay: Scholarship essays are an opportunity to share your personality as well as your background. These essays are both informative and persuasive as you are competing against other students hoping to receive financial aid. Applicants who are genuine and honest will set themselves up for success when filling out the scholarship application.
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UNDERGRADUATE GRANTS & WORK-STUDY
What is a Grant: Grants for college students are gifts given to the applicant primarily based on financial need that do not need repayment. Grants for college tuition come from the state government, federal government, non-profit organizations, or the school in which the student plans to attend. A variety of federal grants are available, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants. Additionally, there may be specific institutional grants available per university financial aid funding models.
What is a Federal Work-Study: Federal Work-Study provides part-time work opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Funds earned may be utilized to cover educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.
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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT LOANS
What is a Student Loan: Loans are money that the student borrows with the expectation of paying it back. Loans can be obtained through federal student loans, which come from the government and require you to fill out a FAFSA, or private loans, which come from student loan providers such as banks and credit unions. In order to receive a loan, you must demonstrate that you are able to pay the loan back with a cosigner.
Here you will find resources such as government aid, a student loan finder, and reviews of the best student loan lenders.
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