ScholarshipsSee our Scholarships page FAFSAThe most important step in the financial aid process is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aide). This form is available either in the Guidance Office or online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. You CANNOT fill out the form until after January 1 of your senior year. It is strongly suggested that you wait until after your parents complete their tax return to submit the form. This is also a process that should be completed early. Anyone who claims you as a dependant or who contributes to your life financially will need to be listed on the FAFSA. This can be a complicated and confusing form, take your time and don’t get frustrated. Once you submit this form to the federal government they will determine your EFC (estimated family contribution) and then loans, grants and work-study contracts are determined by the college themselves. For additional information on financial aid, you will find these websites to be great resources. www.hessa.org or telephone 1-800-792-8670 NJ StarsNJ Stars is a program available through New Jersey’s community college system. Any student who graduates within the top 20% of their class is eligible. The reward covers the cost of tuition and approved fees at your Community College, so basically it is virtually free. You must take at least 12 credits and not more than 15. You must also submit the FAFSA and if you are awarded financial aide the NJ Stars program will cover the remaining costs. Call 1-800-334-6522 or your community college for more information. Recently the State of New Jersey extended this program to include NJ Stars II. With the qualifying GPA and proper course work you can transfer your scholarship to a NJ 4- year college to finish your degree. Check out these websites for more info: www.salemcc.edu/finaid/NJSTARS CSS ProfileSome colleges also require a form called the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. Pick up a registration guide in the Guidance Office. Please consult the list that is enclosed in the profile booklet. Then call the registration service at 1-800-778-6888, or go to collegeboard.com. Have a credit card ready. Do not mail anything at this time. CSS will mail you a customized PROFILE application packet that you must complete and return to CSS before the college deadline. Apply early with this one because the money is awarded early and once it is gone, that’s it. Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF)EOF, The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance and support services to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Depending on your family income, you may qualify. Stop in the Guidance Office to see if you can take advantage of this opportunity or check our your college’s website. More information is available on EOF website. The American LegionLooking for scholarship information? www.needalift.org |
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Money for College |