You should apply for financial assistance even if you don't think you will qualify. Keep in mind the difference between sticker price and net cost. The majority of students do not pay the full cost of college as listed on their website because most students receive some form of financial aid. Due to the availability of financial aid, you should not rule out colleges with higher costs. For instance, if your expected family contribution (EFC) is $5,000, you would be eligible for $3,000 in financial aid at a college with a total cost of $8,000. At a college with a total cost of $35,000, however, you would be eligible for up to $30,000 in financial aid. You will not know the net cost of attending a college until you submit the FAFSA to that college and receive your award letter.
Keep track of deadlines to apply for academic (sometimes called "merit") scholarships at the colleges and universities that interest you. Many colleges consider you for merit scholarships when you submit your application, and some colleges have additional scholarship applications you must submit. Deadlines vary by college, so make sure to keep in touch with the admissions rep from the college and look over the college's financial aid and scholarship website thoroughly! Know your deadlines! See the last section on the 'College Deadlines' page for direct links to scholarship information at specific colleges.
Keep track of deadlines to apply for academic (sometimes called "merit") scholarships at the colleges and universities that interest you. Many colleges consider you for merit scholarships when you submit your application, and some colleges have additional scholarship applications you must submit. Deadlines vary by college, so make sure to keep in touch with the admissions rep from the college and look over the college's financial aid and scholarship website thoroughly! Know your deadlines! See the last section on the 'College Deadlines' page for direct links to scholarship information at specific colleges.
How To Apply For Aid
FAFSA or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used to apply for aid. Filing the FAFSA makes your family eligible to be considered for financial aid from the federal government. Graduating seniors file FAFSA starting October 1st of their senior year.
Step 1 - Create your FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification)
Step 2 - If you have a parent or guardian, have them create an FSA ID.
Step 3 - Fill out the FAFSA
The Three Types of Aid
Available Financial Aid Programs
FAFSA or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used to apply for aid. Filing the FAFSA makes your family eligible to be considered for financial aid from the federal government. Graduating seniors file FAFSA starting October 1st of their senior year.
Step 1 - Create your FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification)
- Log onto https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
- Create a username and password
- Enter your name, SSN, contact information, and date of birth
- Create security questions and enter a significant date
- Review all of the information you input
- Verify your email account by entering a secure code
Step 2 - If you have a parent or guardian, have them create an FSA ID.
Step 3 - Fill out the FAFSA
- This process can be done online at www.fafsa.gov
*If you need help, contact Ms. Hunter at [email protected]*
The Three Types of Aid
- "Gift Aid" - Grants and Scholarships; money that comes from the government, colleges or other organizations that does not need to be paid back.
- "Borrowed Aid" - Loans; money that comes from the government or college itself that must be paid back.
- "Earned Aid" - Work Study; requires the student to work at an on-campus once they arrive on campus. This aid is given to the student in the form of a paycheck.
Available Financial Aid Programs
- State Aid
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
- Federal Aid
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Direct Loans