School Counselor's Page

Financial Aid Basics

Financial aid may be based on merit, financial need, or other eligibility criteria. Below you will find information about local and private scholarships, institutional scholarships, federal aid, and state aid. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me!

Local Scholarships

Local scholarship opportunities will be posted in the Senior Google Classroom as they are received. Families should also watch ParentSquare and/or the Ashland High School Facebook page for scholarship announcements and deadlines.

Private Scholarships

Privately funded scholarships are one type of financial aid for which students can apply. The funding may be national, such as Coca Cola or Gates Foundation or local, such as Rotary or Junior Auxiliary.

Scholarship Database (Link below)

This database is regularly updated with scholarship opportunities and allows students to subscribe to receive scholarship updates by email.

Some other good resources for private scholarships may be available at your local insurance companies, parents place of work, community organizations (e.g. Scouts). Students may also use reputable scholarship search tools to look for additional opportunities. A few good starting points are listed below.

Get2College Scholarships List

Fast Web Search Engine

Big Future College Board Search

Institutional Scholarships

Most colleges and universities offer their own scholarships. Some scholarships are awarded automatically based on the admission application, while others require a separate scholarship application.

Colleges may also offer scholarships based on major, academics, leadership, talent, Honors College participation, or other criteria.

Check the scholarship and financial aid page for EVERY college you are considering. Requirements and deadlines vary by school.

Federal Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and student loans. Many colleges and scholarship programs also use FAFSA information when determining financial aid eligibility.

Important Tip - Make sure you are using the correct website for the FAFSA. There are scam sites that request credit card information! The direct link is located here.

Need Help Completing the FAFSA or State Aid Application?

Ms. Meg Thomas, our Career Coach, is available to help students and families complete both the FAFSA and Mississippi Aid applications.

We will also hold FAFSA help days at school, and individual appointments can be scheduled if additional assistance is needed.

To schedule an appointment or ask questions, contact Ms. Meg at the school at 662-224-6247

State Aid

Mississippi offers several state financial aid programs to help eligible students pay for college.

Students must complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) to be considered for state financial aid. MAAPP is a separate application from the FAFSA.

Eligibility requirements, award amounts, and deadlines vary by program and may change from year to year. Visit the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for current programs, requirements, and deadlines.

Students should complete BOTH the FAFSA and MAAPP to make sure they are considered for all financial aid opportunities available to them.

Contact me if you have questions, or have suggestions on things to add to this page!

Email - telam@benton.k12.ms.us