presented by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation VSAC’s mission is to ensure that all Vermonters have the necessary financial and information resources to pursue their education goals beyond high school. paying for college 2012–2013

What is VSAC?

your role The family has the primary responsibility to pay for higher education. parents students

resources to assist financial aid gift aid grants scholarships self help loans work study

role of financial aid assist families with paying for college

the bottom line cost of attendance (minus) – financial aidyou receive (equals) what you need to pay

applications to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Vermont grant application college forms CSS Profile scholarship applications loan applications

how to apply FAFSA & Vermont grants

required available January 1, –2013 version check college deadlines apply each year file your FAFSA FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) how to apply

Note: If you recently filed your taxes, your IRS information may not be available yet. If you filed your taxes electronically, it may take 1-2 weeks; but if you filed your taxes via the mail it may take 6-8 weeks. You can use your personal copies of your tax returns and complete the FAFSA. You could also wait until your IRS information becomes available before submitting your FAFSA, but you should keep in mind any deadlines. FAFSA IRS retrieval

how to apply open to Vermont residents available January 1, 2012 required for state grant aid apply early file Vermont grant application Take the Vermont grant with you — Vermont grants are portable approx. $18 million is available for the 2011–2012 academic year

how to apply file Vermont grant application

21 how to apply

financial aid applications competitive deadlines are critical application requirements vary complete all required documents may affect other financial aid scholarships

financial aid application process deadline for ALL VSAC-assisted scholarships is March 9, 2012 Early Bird Scholarship — submit all required documents for VSAC- assisted scholarships by February 10, 2012 and be entered in a drawing for one of three $1,000 scholarships. VSAC-assisted scholarships

deadlines vary contact financial aid office CSS Profile available October 2011 college forms financial aid application process

CSS Profile FAFSA or renewal form college financial aid form Vermont grant application college federal state: VSAC You’ve applied. Now what?

expected family contribution (EFC) income assets family size age of older parent number in college What is it? How is it determined?

income assets myth buster: assets versus income $50,000 $75,000 $100,000 $25, $50,0003,7604,5705,490 $75,00010,54011,95013,360 $100,00018,76020,17021,580

financial aid eligibility cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, etc.) (minus) – expected family contribution (equals) financial need

cost of attendance vs. cost to you cost of attendance = remaining need college aid Stafford loan Vermont grant EFC $17,000 $25,000 $40,000

covering the bill interest repayment options benefits terms loan options

check with lenderprivate/alternative private loans fixed, 7.9%federal Direct PLUS fixed, 3.4% or 6.8% federal Direct Stafford two types interest ratesloan type

before you accept financial aid Compare — be a smart consumer! Question estimated or tentative awards. Determine how scholarships affect awards. Understand your responsibilities.

Gather financial information. Create FAFSA PIN(s). Explore net price calculators on college Web sites. Check on college financial aid deadlines. Research grants and scholarships. September-December

January Submit the FAFSA. Submit application for Vermont Incentive grant. Keep checking for local scholarship opportunities.

February Submit the application for VSAC- assisted scholarships, for early- bird consideration. Watch for confirmations and requests from colleges, VSAC, and FAFSA. Keep checking for local scholarships.

March-April Watch for financial aid offers from colleges. Watch for Vermont grant information. VSAC-assisted scholarships deadline is March 9, Compare financial aid awards.

May VSAC-assisted scholarship decisions due to students. College decisions (and deposit) due.

We’re here to help! Paying for College presentations are funded by the College Access Challenge Grant, a federally funded program.