Financial Student Aid

Financial student aid is money paid by the state or federal government, schools, and businesses to help students pay for college or trade school. Many students choose not to go to college because they aren’t aware that they may be eligible for financial aid.

Financial aid may be given to students in the form of grants (do not need to repay), loans (need to repay plus interest), scholarships (need to fill out applications and do not need to repay), and work study (income from a part time job while attending college).

Students apply for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA form (free application for federal student aid). The easiest method is an on line form available at www.fafsa.ed.gov . This is available after January 1 each year. The student and one parent can sign the form on-line by applying for a Pin number at www.pin.ed.gov .

A student’s financial aid award is determined by subtracting the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) from the COA (Cost of Attendance). The EFC is determined through the student’s and parent’s taxes each year. It is important to get these done and filed as early as possible.

The COA includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, transportation, dependent care, and expenses if a student is disabled.

If there are questions that have come up, you may call Jason Allrich, Dean of Students, Laurel Johnson, TS/TRIO Advisor, or any college’s financial aid office for assistance.