How can anyone afford college?
Financial Aid. The government and colleges offer 1) Grants and Scholarships- you don't have to pay them back, 2) Work-study- you work for the money, and 3) Loans- you pay the money back, but, in some cases, not until you finish school. The federal form (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid -- FAFSA) is free to submit.
Go to: fafsa.ed.gov.
Advice: Send in your FAFSA as close to October 1 as you can, even if you have to estimate your income. With the changes in 2016, the FAFSA now uses information from the prior prior year meaning you should have all of the tax information needed. This form gets sent to colleges so that they can determine their own financial aid packages. The earlier they get it, the more money they have to give out. You can always (and must) make adjustments to the form later if your circumstances change. Each year that you are in school, you will have to fill out this form.
Who can help me with the FAFSA form?
The guidance counselor holds a meeting in September to discuss with students and parents how to fill out this form. Listen for announcements on local events that offer help. Ms. Papa and Ms. Habib are available to answer questions. Local organizations -- for example, Warren County Public Schools, Lord Fairfax Community College, Albemarle High School in Charlottesville -- also regularly offer free FAFSA workshops and counseling. Check out VASFAA's Super FAFSA Project VA website for a calendar of other FAFSA events open to the public.
What else can I do to find money for school?
Most of the financial help that our students get comes from the federal government, the schools themselves, and local scholarships (most use a common application which is due in February). Also, buy your books early and check websites like Bookrenter, Chegg and Amazon for used and rental editions.
What about private schools? They are so expensive. Should I even bother applying?
Yes, you should absolutely apply! Private schools have endowments, state grants, and scholarships, meaning they can make the way for you to be there. Some (Harvard, Yale, UVA, UNC, for example) have policies that low-income students don't pay any tuition at all-- these are called No Loan Finanical Aid Policies. Make sure you apply well before the admissions deadline and meet all financial aid deadlines as well to be considered for the full amount of aid.
Do I have to report scholarship money that I receive to the college?
Yes. You should report the scholarship money you receive in the summer before you start school.
Do I have to pay the tuition in a lump sum?
No. Many schools have payment plans. Most financial aid departments are working hard to be flexible. They do not want lack of money to be a deterrent.
What if the money offered is way too little?
Before giving up, try:
· Writing a letter. Are there any extenuating circumstances in the family’s finances (parent who was laid off, medical expenses, etc.)
· Researching low-interest loans at banks and online. For example, the Parent PLUS loan is a loan that parents can take out for their child’s education.
· Enrolling in a payment plan. Most colleges provide a monthly payment plan.
· Applying for scholarships. They take effort, diligence and persistence, but they are worth your time.
Should I fill out the FAFSA even if I think my parents make too much money?
Yes. The form is free and is a requirement for many scholarships, including merit-based scholarships. If you have filed taxes or can estimate, it won't take long and you might be surprised at what you qualify for. By not filling out the FAFSA, you may be unintentionally limiting yourself to several options of which you are not yet aware.
Financial Aid. The government and colleges offer 1) Grants and Scholarships- you don't have to pay them back, 2) Work-study- you work for the money, and 3) Loans- you pay the money back, but, in some cases, not until you finish school. The federal form (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid -- FAFSA) is free to submit.
Go to: fafsa.ed.gov.
Advice: Send in your FAFSA as close to October 1 as you can, even if you have to estimate your income. With the changes in 2016, the FAFSA now uses information from the prior prior year meaning you should have all of the tax information needed. This form gets sent to colleges so that they can determine their own financial aid packages. The earlier they get it, the more money they have to give out. You can always (and must) make adjustments to the form later if your circumstances change. Each year that you are in school, you will have to fill out this form.
Who can help me with the FAFSA form?
The guidance counselor holds a meeting in September to discuss with students and parents how to fill out this form. Listen for announcements on local events that offer help. Ms. Papa and Ms. Habib are available to answer questions. Local organizations -- for example, Warren County Public Schools, Lord Fairfax Community College, Albemarle High School in Charlottesville -- also regularly offer free FAFSA workshops and counseling. Check out VASFAA's Super FAFSA Project VA website for a calendar of other FAFSA events open to the public.
What else can I do to find money for school?
Most of the financial help that our students get comes from the federal government, the schools themselves, and local scholarships (most use a common application which is due in February). Also, buy your books early and check websites like Bookrenter, Chegg and Amazon for used and rental editions.
What about private schools? They are so expensive. Should I even bother applying?
Yes, you should absolutely apply! Private schools have endowments, state grants, and scholarships, meaning they can make the way for you to be there. Some (Harvard, Yale, UVA, UNC, for example) have policies that low-income students don't pay any tuition at all-- these are called No Loan Finanical Aid Policies. Make sure you apply well before the admissions deadline and meet all financial aid deadlines as well to be considered for the full amount of aid.
Do I have to report scholarship money that I receive to the college?
Yes. You should report the scholarship money you receive in the summer before you start school.
Do I have to pay the tuition in a lump sum?
No. Many schools have payment plans. Most financial aid departments are working hard to be flexible. They do not want lack of money to be a deterrent.
What if the money offered is way too little?
Before giving up, try:
· Writing a letter. Are there any extenuating circumstances in the family’s finances (parent who was laid off, medical expenses, etc.)
· Researching low-interest loans at banks and online. For example, the Parent PLUS loan is a loan that parents can take out for their child’s education.
· Enrolling in a payment plan. Most colleges provide a monthly payment plan.
· Applying for scholarships. They take effort, diligence and persistence, but they are worth your time.
Should I fill out the FAFSA even if I think my parents make too much money?
Yes. The form is free and is a requirement for many scholarships, including merit-based scholarships. If you have filed taxes or can estimate, it won't take long and you might be surprised at what you qualify for. By not filling out the FAFSA, you may be unintentionally limiting yourself to several options of which you are not yet aware.
