Financial Aid & Scholarships

FINANCIAL AID purpose is to assist students who, without such help, would be unable to further their education money comes from the Federal and State governments, banks, the schools themselves and private donors based on expenses a family will incur at a college or university, not entirely on the family income

How Does Financial Aid Work? Your eligibility for financial aid depends on how much you and your family can pay toward your educational costs (Estimated Family Contribution). Figuring out how much a student and family should pay is a fairly complicated process called “need analysis”. BASICALLY: What it costs to attend the college Minus What your family can pay (EFC) = Financial Need

Estimated Family Contribution College 1 Tuition: 13,320 EFC: - 6,000 ______________ Need: 7,320 College 2 Tuition: 32,000 EFC: -6,000 ______________ Need: 26,000

Independent Student Status Someone 24+ years of age Is an orphan or ward of the court Is determined to be independent by reason of unusual circumstances by the financial aid administrator at the school Is married Is a veteran Has legal dependents other than a spouse Is enrolled in a graduate program Is an unaccompanied youth who is homeless

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID GRANTS Funds typically awarded on the basis of need that do not require repayment. LOANS Funds borrowed from a financial institution or the Federal government that must be repaid with interest after you leave school. WORK STUDY Funds to create jobs for students which are usually on or off campus and sometimes related to career goals or fields of study. SCHOLARSHIPS Funds based on grades, talents, interests, parental business affiliation, religion, social and community groups and a variety of other factors. The high school counseling office is an excellent resource of information.

HOW DO I APPLY?  Gather the required family tax and income information from the previous year  Social Security Number (student and parent); driver’s license number; income tax returns (student and parent); earnings statements; bank and investment account statements; records of untaxed income like social security, contributions to a 401(k), or tax-deferred pension  Google “FAFSA On The Web Worksheet” in November for an updated example  Obtain personal log-in information to confirm your identity and to access your federal student aid information at  You must create an FSA ID using your own personal information. Parents and students must each create their own. The FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and serves as your legal signature  Create your FSA ID at  Complete your FAFSA application as soon as possible after January 1

SCHOLARSHIPS Not always based on “financial need” Money is awarded based on academic achievements, special skills, talents, abilities, leadership roles, community involvement, and community service General criteria to apply for the majority of scholarships may include: GPA/CLASS RANK ACT/SAT SCORES ACTIVITIES LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION INTERVIEW

SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship Websites

SCHOLARSHIPS Additional Opportunities  Weld County Bright Futures Grant Program ~ Created by the Board of Weld County Commissioners to support students who have lived in Weld County for 2+ years and who graduate from a Weld County High School. They currently plan to offer $3,000 per year in tuition assistance to every Weld County graduate. LEARN MORE AT: APPLICATION IS PLANNED TO BE AVAILABLE IN OCTOBER  College Opportunity Fund ~ Created by the Colorado Legislature to provide a stipend to eligible undergraduate students. Currently, the stipend equals $75.00 per credit hour APPLY AT:

Tips For Writing A Successful Scholarship Application Presentation Counts – Show You Care! Follow Deadlines Follow Directions Be Neat and Complete Final Touches

SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS Legitimate scholarship search companies never guarantee or promise scholarships or grants “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.” “You can’t get this information anywhere else”. “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship”. “We’ll do all the work”. “The scholarship will cost some money”. “You’ve been selected” by a “national foundation” to receive a scholarship, or “You’re a finalist” in a scholarship competition you never entered.