Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Purpose

Financial Aid can help you and your family meet college costs, both educational (tuition, fees, and books) and personal (housing, food, and travel). You should not rule out any college or program that interests you based on the cost alone. Many families and students can’t pay the full cost of education by themselves, and by applying for financial aid, you may be eligible and receive help that you weren’t expecting.

Types of Financial Aid - There are three types:

  • Grants or Scholarships (gift money that doesn’t need to be paid back);

  • Loans (student, parent or alternative options, must be repaid - usually after students have graduated or left school);

  • Work Study (part of the financial aid package which allows students to work on campus and earn a small paycheck).

How to Apply

  • The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step for college-bound students. Students and parents may complete and submit the FAFSA online at https://www.famemaine.com/ after October 1st.

  • The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is required by some private colleges and universities. This is a completely on-line process and is accessed through www.collegeboard.org.

  • Institutional financial aid forms can be found on individual college’s websites.

  • Please contact financial aid offices at the colleges where you will be applying as they are often the best resource.

Financial Aid Night

The Yarmouth High School Guidance Department sponsors an annual Financial Aid Information Night each fall, usually during the first of October. A Director of Financial Aid from an area college will review and discuss changes in the FAFSA form, dispel any myths about the process, and help parents and students understand the options available to pay for college.

College Goal Maine

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) sponsors College Goal Maine throughout January and February for families who need help completing the FAFSA. Check here for more information.

Scholarship Information

In addition to applying for financial aid, students are encouraged to visit the Guidance website for local and national scholarships. Go to http://yhs.yarmouthschools.org and then click on Guidance.

Click on the National link; Will need to log in: User name = yarmouth-student Password = yarmouth-student (all lower case)

Click on local link for local scholarships.

Remember: Please be cautious of scholarship or financial aid programs that want to charge you for their service. The many websites listed in the Appendix are free services.