Financial Aid

Scholarships/Financial Aid

Parents & Student

Here is a time line for you:

Request admission and financial aid information from chosen college.

October-December
Research scholarship opportunities! High School guidance counselors and public libraries are excellent resources for local
and private scholarships.

7 SAT's and 5 ACT's are offered, starting in October. You need to register for the test at least six weeks in advance.
Submit your application for admissions.

January
Collect your family's tax and financial records; keep your W-2's and tax documents! You might need them later for your school's financial aid verification process.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal aid. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. You are required to submit this application to be considered for federal aid and for most state-funded aid. Apply after January 1 for federal aid for the next school year. Financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-serve, so you will want to apply early.

February
The FAFSA takes approximately four weeks to process so it should be mailed no later than mid-February.
It is encouraged to file on the web for faster results. (www.fastweb.com)
The results of the FAFSA will arrive in form of a Student Aid Report (SAR), which will contain your expected family contribution (EFC) and Pell Grant eligibility.

April
You will receive a financial aid award package from the schools to which you applied. Compare the awards and decide which college is the best "fit" for you.
Sign the award letter and send it back to the college, if required, to accept the aid package.
It is helpful to notify the other colleges that you have decided to attend elsewhere.
Contact your lender to fill out a Student Loan Application as soon as possible.

May
Follow-up with housing, financial aid, orientations and all other college offices.
Catch your breath--you have done about everything you can!

June-July
It is helpful to secure a summer job to assist with college expenses.

August
Student loan funds are disbursed to the college financial aid office.
Keep accurate loan records! Make a special file for your loan records and keep all information your school sends you.

GOOD LUCK!