1. F INANCIAL A ID : Paying your way through college

2. T HREE STEPS TO GETTING PAID Where to start the financial aid process

3. S TEP 1 – FILE THE FAFSA Determines eligibility for financial aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov)www.fafsa.ed.gov January 1 st – March 2 nd (Priority filing date: February 15 th ) Don’t forget the PIN!! (www.pin.ed.gov)www.pin.ed.gov Electronic signature (parent and student)

4. STEP 2 – F ILL OUT C AL GRANT VERIFICATION FORM In CA students get free money! Eligibility: Minimum 2.0 GPA www.calgrants.org Deadline: March 2011

5. S TEP 3 – S TUDENT A ID REPORT (SAR) Review & Complete Check for mistakes MAKE CORRECTIONS! List potential schools

6. N OT ALL MONEY IS THE SAME What are the choices?

7. G RANTS V. L OANS Based on financial need Free money! Pell Grants Federally funded Cal Grants State funded for CA residents Different types; check requirements Federal money All income levels Deferred payments Subsidized loan No interest Unsubsidized loan Interest accrues PLUS program For parents GrantsLoans

8. W ORK STUDY V. S CHOLARSHIPS Must be eligible to work in the U.S. Wages are subsidized Federal State School On and off campus School employment office Free money! Maybe… Eligibility: Academic achievement Financial need Specific characteristics Where to look? Schools Community organizations Businesses Work StudyScholarships

9. R ESOURCES Please see your handouts!

10. Q UESTIONS ?