Financial Aid

Financial Aid can include grants, loans, and scholarships. When students are in their Fall (October 1 - March 2) Semester of their Senior Year, they can start applying for Financial Aid. If a student has a Social Security Number, then they can complete a FAFSA Application. If a student does not have a Social Security Number, then they can complete a California Dream Act Application.

Grants is money that a student does not need to pay back. These can be granted through Federal, State, and Institution Grants. 

California State Grants: 

• Cal Grant A

• Cal Grant B

• Cal Grant C

• Middle Class Scholarship Grant

• CHAFEE Grant for Foster Youth

Federal Grants: 

• Federal Pell Grant

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Program Grant

• The TEACH Grant

• State University Grant

• Doctoral Grants

• Educational Opportunity Program Grant

Institutional Grants: 

• Vary Depending on the Institution you are attending

Scholarships is also financial aid that does not need to be repaid. These are typically found through the student's high school or local organizations. There are national organizations that offer scholarships as well. Always beware of scholarship scams and do not share any personal information until you have verified the validity of a grant. Never share your social security number in scholarship applications. Here is Aspen Ridge Public School's Scholarship web page.

Work-Study is financial aid that a student earns through work and is provided through a stipend (a set amount at the end of the work-term) or a paycheck. Work-Study is typically for a set amount of time and is not guaranteed to be permanent. This time is usually a semester, unless the Work-Study program offers more time. Students can typically apply to receive Work-Study through their FAFSA Application or California Dream Act Application. 

Loans is money that will need to be paid back in full by the student and/or parents (depending on the type of loan). Loan availability and amounts are determined by your Financial Aid application. Loans are not required or automatic. This means you have to accept the loans. There are typically a variety of loans available: 

Private Loans:

• These are typically through a non-educational institution like a bank or a credit union. 

Financial Aid Loans:

• Federal Direct Loans to Students

• Federal PLUS Loans to Parents and Students

When it comes to Federal Loans, there are two type of loans you can choose from:

• Subsidized Loans are loans where the Educational Department pays the interest while you are attending school. These loans are typically offered to students who demonstrate a financial need. 

• Unsubsidized Loans are loans where the interest begins accruing as soon as you take out the loan.