How Do I Begin?
Go To: www.fafsa.ed.gov
FINANCIAL AID consists of Grants, Loans and Work Study
Grants:
Pell Grants are need based for low income. Grants are a gift and
do not need to be paid back.
Loans:
Perkins loans are for low income.
Stafford Loans have a 6.8% fixed rate. $3500 for freshmen.
PLUS Loans are parent loans and will include a credit check.
Other loans are also available. Check the website: www.fafsa.ed.
gov.
Work Study:
Students will have a job on campus.
State Grants: Check with your state for Grant Programs:
CAL Grants:
For California students who attend a public or private college in the
state of California.
Cal Grant A:Grants help pay for tuition and fees at four-year
colleges.
Cal Grant B:Grants help pay for tuiton, fees and a living allowance
at a California Community College.
Cal Grants C: For a technical education.
The Deadline is March 2.
www.calgrants.org
California students also need to fill out a GPA Verification Form for
the Cal Grant Program. This form must be signed by the high
school representative in your Counseling Office.
What is the Definition of Need?
The cost of attendance (COA) tuition, books, living expenses
minus the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) equals need.
FAFSA on the Web: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Step #1
Go to: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Most people apply online today. The information is more accurate
and can be read easily. The web application will take you through
the various steps. You will not be able to move forward if you make
an error.
Do Not PAY A FEE To fill out the Financial Aid Form. If you are
asked to pay a fee, you are at the wrong website.
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
Some private colleges require this form to help them award private
grants and scholarship funds. The form is available on the web at:
www.collegeboard.com Click CSS/PROFILE under "Pay for
College" on the student's home page. The profile has a fee.
You will need to provide information for the FAFSA from your
parent's 1040 tax return.
You do not need to wait to complete your tax forms in order to mail
the FAFSA. You will provide a revised FAFSA after you file your tax
return. Since funds are limited, it is important to submit the form
early. Many colleges want the information by February 1 or even in
January. You may apply after January 1. You will revise your
information after you file your income tax.
You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) about 1-2 weeks if you
file electronically.
FAFSA4Caster Worksheet is available now at: www.fafsa4caster.
ed.gov
You can fill out this worksheet to get an idea of the amount of aid
you might receive. After January 1, you can transfer the information
from the worksheet to the FAFSA.
How Can I Add Additional Colleges To My FAFSA?
After you list six colleges on the FAFSA, you can add addditional
colleges after you receive your SAR. If you have your DRN number
from the SAR, you can call 1-800-433-3243 or 1-319-337-5665 to
add more colleges. If you applied online, you can go to:
www.fafsa.ed.gov and use your PIN number to add more colleges.
Select: Add or Delete School Code. It takes 3-5 days to process.
What Do I Do If I have Questions and Need Some
Help?
Attend Financial Aid Night programs at your high school.
For FAFSA questions, call: 1-800-433-3243
Go to the web site at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Additional Forms?
Each state has additional financial aid for residents. Check with
your high school for more information.
In California, students need to fill out the Cal Grant GPA Verification
Form in order to be considered for a Cal Grant. Each high school
should have copies for students. Students need grade point
verification from a high school official.
Be sure to pay attention to deadlines.
Material To Help Understand the Process:
Your high school should receive many helpful free financial aid
booklets for students and parents in the fall. If not, check the web
site for these materials at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.
You may also find some financial aid materials at your local library
or at a local college.
Advice on How to Apply for Financial Aid for College
