Paying for College

Financial Aid

Financial aid is money from the federal and state governments, the institution of higher education, and private resources that assist a family in meeting the cost of the student’s education.

Types of Financial Aid

• Grants - need-based funds the student does not repay.
• Work-study - need-based award that allows the student to pay part of college expenses by working part-time while attending college.
• Loans -  borrowed money that must be repaid.
• Scholarships - a gift of money to help pay for college expenses. This is money that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships are provided by organizations, colleges, corporations, and private donors and typically awarded on merit or skill.

Info about types of aid: StudentAid.gov/types

Applying for Financial Aid

Create an FSA ID

The FSA ID is a username and password that gives you the unique benefit of logging into your accounts and electronically signing documents — while removing all personally identifiable information.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA
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Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school. Students who are not eligible for FAFSA due to citizenship may apply using the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).

Ten Tips for Scholarship Applications

1. Apply only if you are eligible - read ALL requirements and directions carefully.
2. Complete application in full – if questions do not apply to you, then note that on application.
3. Follow directions - be sure to supply ALL requested materials, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.
4. Neatness counts - type your application OR make sure your handwriting is neat and legible.
5. Write an essay that makes a strong impression - be personal and specific.
6. Watch for deadlines – extensions are rarely given.
7. Make sure your application gets where it needs to go – allow enough time for it to get there.
8. Give it a final review - proof read the entire application carefully. Look for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher, or parent to proof read it as well.
9. Ask for help if you need it - do not hesitate to contact the scholarship/funding organization or your counselor.
10. Keep a back-up file - before sending in the application make a copy of the entire packet for your records and make a note of when you turned it in.