First and Foremost – What is the FAFSA?

This mouthful of letters is nothing to be intimidated by. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, is the first step in the financial aid process. The FAFSA form is used by the government, as well as colleges and universities to determine your eligibility for federal student loans, grants and other education assistance. Students must submit a FAFSA form each year they attend college to remain eligible for financial aid.

Completing Your FAFSA

Many colleges and universities won’t allow you to enroll without completing your FAFSA, so making it your first step is not just a good idea, it’s pretty much a requirement. And while the federal government’s deadline to submit your FAFSA is June 30, many states have their own requirements. For example, in California, the deadline to for many state financial aid programs is March 2.

The FAFSA form can be filled out and submitted online via the website – . You’ll be required to provide personal and financial information in order to determine what you might qualify for. If you’re under the age of 24 by December 31^st of the award year you are applying for, you’ll need to provide your parents financial information. You’ll also answer questions about the number of people living in your home, the number of people attending college and if you support any other individual/s. All of this information is used to determine your EFC (expected family contribution.) That number is subtracted from the COA (cost of attendance) to ultimately calculate what your need is and what grants or loans you qualify for.

Types of Financial Aid

There are three basic types of financial aid you can apply for.

Loans – There are federal government guaranteed student loans and private lender loans that can help you pay for college. Most education loans are low interest and have a grace period for repayment that begins once you graduate.

Grants – Grants can be used to pay for college, but they do not have to be paid back. The most commonly used federal grant is the Pell Grant. A Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional need who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

Work Study ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ – Some colleges offer on-campus work study programs that allow students to work on campus to pay for a portion of tuition or living expenses.

For many students, your financial aid package may be a combination of all of the above, again, depending on your unique situation. But the sooner you get the process started, the better prepared you’ll be when classes start. If you have additional questions after reading through the beginner’s guide to financial aid and you’re ready to get started on the path to a brighter future, contact the admissions department at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ today. Our team of admissions and financial aid specialists are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to the career of you dreamed of. And with programs in Allied Health, Technical and Trade and Payroll/HR, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.  Call us now to learn more.

1. Schedule a consultation with the admissions department

You may have done your initial homework on what program you’re interested in. But an admissions advisor can talk about all the finer points of the program with you. They can answer questions about prerequisites, schedules, program requirements or just about anything you need to know. Including potential employment opportunities

2. Set up a time to tour the campus

Wherever you decide to go, you’ll want to actually go and visit the campus. Especially if there are multiple locations near you. What better way to see which one feels right for you? It will also help you to become familiar with the layout of the campus, so you’ll be better prepared when classes start.

3. Check into financial aid

Complete and submit the (FAFSA) as soon as possible. It can be completed online and will determine your eligibility for financial aid. If you have any questions, our financial aid staff will be your resource.

4. Apply to the school of your choice

Coordinate with the admissions and financial aid departments to complete your application. Be sure to note any important dates for deadlines and required test scores to include in your application packet.

5. Attend Orientation

Prior to the start of classes, you will be invited to attend orientation. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the campus, meet your instructors and even network with other students. Orientation is also a great time to ask any remaining questions you may have thought of after the initial interview.

6. Get your schedule and start classes

Your admissions representative will help you determine the start dates for your program and work with you on the schedule that is right for you.

The only thing left to do is to jump in with both feet and enjoy the ride! If you’d like to get the process started, contact ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ today. You can also take our to evaluate your career readiness! At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we’re committed to being by your side every step of the way during your education and after you graduate. Call now to learn more.