Financial Aid Overview
Financial Aid
Financial aid is money provided by various agencies (federal, state and local governments, universities, community organizations, and private corporations or individuals) to help students meet the costs of attending college. It includes gift aid - grants and scholarships - and self-help-loans and student employment.
We encourage every senior, regardless of their families financial history, to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Many schools will not offer scholarships or work study unless the FAFSA has been filed. You will also not be eligible for need-based financial aid unless this form is filled out. The online Application will be available to seniors sometime in the late fall and should be submitted as soon AFTER JAN. 1st as possible. Your application must be received by June 30th of your senior year.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
http://www.pin.ed.gov
Types of Financial Aid:
Scholarships: Scholarships are based on academic or athletic achievement, or a special talent, but financial need may also be considered. Scholarships are considered gift aid because they do not have to be paid back. Scholarships are awarded by states, institutions and departments, as well as by private companies and individuals.
Grants: Grants are gift aid awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid.
Loans: Student loan programs offer long-term, low interest educational loans which allow students to defer repayment until after graduation, withdrawal or termination of at least half-time attendance.
Employment/Work Study: Students can obtain part-time jobs to assist in meeting their college costs and, if possible, gain work experience in a field related to their chosen profession. Job duties ranged from those demanding special research skills to those demanding only the willingness to work.
Take a look at the following sites to gain more information about financial aid:
GACollege411.org – financial aid planning
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/