Financial Aid
The world of financial aid can be very overwhelming at times. The links we have listed below, we feel, will be helpful as you begin to explore your family’s opportunities as well as options.
- FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Completing the FAFSA is a requirement for all colleges -- two- and four-year programs, both public & private schools, including vocational/technical programs -- for any student apply for Financial Aid. It is also a requirement for most schools in order to receive any merit-based scholarships. In other words, EVERYONE should complete the FAFSA!
- CSS Profile Many private colleges and universities also require families to complete the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. To see if any of the schools that you are considering require the CSS Profile, click here
A few helpful sites:
- What you'll need to complete the FAFSA successfully and general timelines for submission.
Scholarships
Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes and can be awarded based on anything from academic ability (merit), athletics and financial need to specific talents, what you are planning to major in or your response to an essay prompt. The majority of scholarships that a student will receive will come directly from the school that they attend. You can see what types of scholarships the schools that you are considering offer by looking at the "financial aid" section of a school's website.
Other scholarships are more locally based and students apply to each one individually. For a SAMPLE list of these scholarships, click here. The scholarships listed on the sample are from last year and are no longer active. An updated list of scholarships will be made available to students and parents beginning in January 2025 and will be added to through the end of the school year.
There are also scholarship search services available, like Fastweb (link below). These services typically ask students/parents for general information about themselves and then will "match" them with scholarships that they MAY be eligible for. Many of these sites charge for this service, but there are also many that are free. Just be aware before you start filling out your personal information!
www.fastweb.com
Through this site you will find college financial aid information and conduct scholarship searches with their scholarship search engine. It’s worth the effort!!!