Financial Aid/Scholarships

Financial Aid is a catch-all term that refers to any money offered to a student to help cover costs associated with being a student. Financial aid can be made up of any combination of grants, loans, stipends, benefits, work study programs, or scholarships. Financial aid can come from many sources: local, state, or federal governments, colleges or universities, professional organizations, private charities, or individuals.  

How can I apply for scholarships?

• Scholarship opportunities are listed in NAVIANCE (click on Document Resources on your Naviance Home page)

• Each individual college and university has their own scholarships - take a look at their financial aid page for details!

• Check out your parents employers, local community agencies, churches, and organizations - many of them offer scholarships!

• There are many websites that list scholarship opportunities (some are listed at the bottom of this page). Just remember to NEVER PAY to apply for a scholarship. 

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an online form that students (with help from their parents or guardians) complete to apply and qualify for federal financial aid (grants and loans) to help pay for college. It will generate a financial report that will be sent to each college or university you apply for, so that they can determine your estimated cost of attending college. The FAFSA report helps them determine your expected family contribution to decide how much money a student is eligible to receive in the form or grants or loans.

The FAFSA opens in October of each year for students who will begin college the next calendar year. 

What you’ll need to complete the FAFSA® 

If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need this information for both you and your parents. •

You and your parents will need an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID to access the FAFSA® and sign the form electronically. Apply for your FSA IDs at studentaid.gov 3-5 days before you plan on starting the FAFSA®. 

Your Social Security number 

Your parents’ Social Security numbers (SSN). Parents without a social security number need to check the box stating “I do not have an SSN”. 

What’s no longer needed? Student and parent tax documents. All of this information will be automatically accessed from the IRS through the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX). 

If your financial status has changed since you filed your previous year taxes, you must complete the FAFSA® with the required information, and then follow up with your school’s financial aid office for further advice.