1. Welcome Regis!

2. Agenda What is financial aid? Applying for aid Types of Aid Scholarships Net price calculators Tips for parents and students

3. The Financial Aid Office Establishes the cost of attendance Evaluates family’s ability to pay by determining an expected family contribution (EFC) Offers financial aid based on the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution Distributes resources in an equitable manner Counsels families on financial issues

4. The Admissions Office Determines eligibility for merit based aid Evaluate GPA ACT and/or SAT Scores Extracurricular Activities Leadership Community Service Teacher Recommendations

5. Financial Aid Applications FAFSA Required to determine eligibility for many federal, state and institutional aid programs which can include scholarships, grants, work study and student loans CSS PROFILE Many private universities and scholarship providers require the CSS PROFILE application to determine financial eligibility for institutional aid programs

6. FAFSA Website: www.fafsa.ed.gov 2012-2013 FAFSA available January 1, 2012 FAFSA4caster www.fafsa4caster.ed.govwww.fafsa4caster.ed.gov A tool that provides an early start on the financial aid process Calculates federal student aid eligibility on-line, in real time

7. Electronic Signatures (PIN) Website: www.pin.ed.govwww.pin.ed.gov Student and parents each need to apply for a PIN number through the Department of Education Remains the same each year Acts as an electronic signature for the FAFSA and student loan promissory notes

8. CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Website: www.profileonline.collegeboard.org www.profileonline.collegeboard.org 2012-2013 pricing structure: $25 for the first application $16 for additional applications $25 flat fee for each Noncustodial PROFILE Available Now!

9. Types of Aid Scholarships – Need based, merit based, or a combination Federal and State Grants – For lower income students Student Employment – Students work on campus10-20 hours a week while enrolled – Paid hourly and variable wage rates – Great way to gain valuable work experience Loans – Student Loans – Parent Loans

10. Private Scholarships Civic Groups/Organizations (Rotary Club, Elks Club, etc…) Religious Organizations Corporations (Target, Coca Cola, Ford, Kentucky Fried Chicken, etc….) www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com High school Counselor College or university financial aid office website

11. Net Price Calculators All undergraduate institutions are required to offer a net price calculator that provides students an estimate to attend their college The sticker price of a college is not always what parents end up paying Net price is the sticker price minus all merit and financial aid

12. Top Tips for Parents! Make financial aid part of your college visits Do a bit of detective work! Do the colleges your student wants to apply to use financial need in determining their admission decisions? Net Price Calculators Research the school’s outside scholarship policy Pay attention to financial aid deadlines Inform colleges about special circumstances

13. Where Do I Go From Here? Review admissions and financial aid websites Meet all application deadlines Investigate and apply for private scholarships Make sure parent’s credit is in order Financial fit is also important! Good luck!