Paying for College
How will you pay for College?
Please use the resources on this page for information about the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Scholarship resources and more).
What is FAFSA and how does it work?
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid that opens every October 1st for seniors. The information provided on this form will determine two basic forms of aid:
Student loans: Money you have to pay back.
Free money through grants and scholarships.
What are the FAFSA requirements?
To get Federal Student Aid, you need to:
Be a U.S citizen or U.S national
Have a green card, and arrival-departure record, battered-immigrant status, or a T-visa(if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be enrolled as a student (or at least accepted) in an approved degree or certificate program
Be registered with Selective Service (this is only a requirement for males between age 18-25)
Have a valid Social Security number
How to fill out the FAFSA:
1. Make sure you have easy access to these things:
Your social security number
Your parents't Social Security number
Your parents' federal tax information or tax returns that include IRS W-2 information.
Records of your parents' untaxed income
Info on your parents' cash, savings and checking accounts, investments, real estate, and any business or farm assets.
2. Create an FSA ID - This will create an username and password in order to access, save and electronically sign your FAFSA documents. If you're a dependent, your parents will need their own FSA ID as well in order to sign your FAFSA form.
3. Start filling out the FAFSA form.
4. Sign the form - You and your parent need to sign the FAFSA form online using your FSA IDs.
5. Submit the FAFSA! Your FAFSA will now be sent to the colleges elected electronically.
Here is what will happen once you have submitted the FAFSA:
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be calculated.
The financial aid office at each of the colleges will determine your cost of attendance. They will then determine based on your families EFC number how much need-based or non-need based aid you qualify for.
Each school will provide the student with an award letter informing them the breakdown of the cost of attendance and what aid through scholarships, grants, work study, etc will be provided.
2020-2021 FAFSA Information
Pinnacle High School - Senior Parents: Financial Aid Information
2020/21 - FAFSA Information
What is a scholarship/grant and how does it work?
Grants and scholarships are often called "gift aid" or "financial aid" because they are free money. Financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Grants are often need-based, while scholarships are usually merit-based.
Grants and scholarships can come from the federal government, state government, college and/or career school, or private or nonprofit organizations.
Do your research, apply for scholarships you may be eligible for and keep in the mind deadlines. Here are some scholarship search engines.
Dorrance Scholarship - First generation for AZ students
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
You do not need to pay for help finding money for college.
You do not have to pay for the FAFSA form.
You do not have to pay for help with your student loans.
And protect your identity.