For some students, attending of applying for college is not the hardest part, but ensuring that they have tapped into all their options can be nerve racking. There's nothing like missing out on an opportunity to receive financial aid in the form of a scholarship, grant, or even a loan only after all the deadlines have passed. To ensure that you are fully infomred about your financial aid for college, here is an in depth look into what is out there for you.
- FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important applications out there to receive financial aid as it determines your need for financial aid. The FAFSA takes your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and subtracts it from the Total Cost of Attendance at the school you are applying, in order to determine financial need. As indicated in its name, it is free of charge to fill out this application. Youc an either complete your FAFSA online or submit a peper application in the mail.
Financial Need = Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - Total Cost of Attendance (TCOA)
You are able to use a FAFSA calculator to get an estimate of how much financial aid you can expect.
- CSS Profile - The CSS/ Financial Aid Profile is unique to many private colleges and universities who require you to complete the CSS Profile. These colleges and universities use the CSS Profile to determine what non-government financial aid you are eligible to recieve. To complete the CSS Profile online, visit College Board. Be sure to ehck with your school's financial aid office as to whether or not they require you to complete the CSS Profile.
Educational Loans
- Need-based financial aid is received because a student demonstrates a strong level of financial need. Education loans are big contributors under this type of aid. It is beneficial that many have low interest rates, due in part to the government providing the. Need-based loans are also subsidized, so the government takes charge of your loan interest payments during your course of study.
- Non-Need financial aid includes loans helpful in paying for education, but these are not strictly baesd on the overall financial circumstances of a student. Many individuals need college money, but their lower financial need levels disqualify them from need-based loans. Interest rates are often higher, and the loans are unsubsized interest not paid for by government). All of this leads to more debt at the end, interest added on. If it's possible, try to make interest payments during school to keep your debt down.
- Communicate with organizations, businesses, churches, and clubs about the scholarships, grants or loans they have available to college students. Sometimes you will be surprised at how many of these groups are right in your own hometown or nearby.
- Search the web. Use your talents to help bring in financial aid for college. For example, if you are a writer, there are several contests on the web and maybe even in your city that hold writing contests and give award money to the top 3 winners. Be creative in finding financial aid for college.
Hopefully, with the above information, finding opportunities to receive financial aid for college is a little easier. You are not just confined to the FAFSA. Go Bbeyond and seek out all your financial aid options. It just may make a huge difference in your financial future.
