Financial Aid & Scholarships
Paying for college is an overwhelming factor that prevents many students from pursuing further education after high school . In this section we hope to provide more information to make families and students feel more knowledgeable about the process, what they can qualify for and how to get past this barrier. Appointments for student specific support are available with the counseling office. Please contact Mrs. Miglinas for help!
What Families & Students Need to Know About Paying for College
Having a discussion about how to pay for college can be a sensitive subject for many families and students. However, it's important for families to consider their "ability to pay" in the college selection process. As you'll see in this section, there's an "affordable" college option for any and all students.
What is Higher Education?
Higher education is more than the traditional 4-year college. Skill-based training certificates or associate's degrees are viable educational goals with strong career placement options for many students. Higher education includes 4-year, 2-year public colleges/universities, private colleges/universities, community colleges, and proprietary (for-profit) education.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is money that is given, borrowed or earned for educational purposes. Sources of financial aid include federal and state governments as well as the school/college/university the student attends and private businesses/organizations (common scholarship providers).
Who is Eligible for Financial Aid?
All students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens are eligible for some kind of financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid social security number (Note: Parents do not need an SSN for their children to apply for aid)
- Comply with Selective Service registration (if male, age 18-25)
- Enroll at least half-time in an eligible program at a college/university/tech school, etc.
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs
- Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or work study)
- Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan
- Demonstrate financial need (except for Unsubsidized Stafford Loans)