If you apply for grants (FAFSA), local scholarship, outside scholarships, and institutional scholarships... your dreams can become reality as you attend the college of your choice. Sometimes, you will have extra money in your pocket for bills after paying for tuition and books with grant and scholarship money. What do these mean?

GRANTS... grants are federally or locally issued funds that DO NOT have to be paid back. Grants are based on financial need rather than academics, athletics, or other merit.

LOANS... these can be from the FAFSA federal program, local university, OR through a private bank. These MUST BE PAID BACK after graduation or sooner.

SCHOLARSHIPS... these are local or institutional funds that are awarded and DO NOT have to be paid back. These are typically based on academic, athletic, or other merit. Some scholarships are also based on financial need at an institutional level.

FAFSA... This is a federally funded program that helps students with financial need a way to secure the funding to attend college. Based on your previous tax returns (or that of your parent or guardian), you can be awarded thousands of dollars each semester that you attend college as a full time student. These are offered in GRANTS and LOANS. Grants (Pell Grant) can be accepted and loans denied if you do not wish to accept those funds that will be repaid upon graduation.

Some Employers Offer Tuition Assistance

If you plan on working during college, some companies offer scholarships as part of their benefits package. You can begin working for them now (in Commerce) and then transfer to your college town where you will already have completed your "qualifying time" to earn those scholarships. For example, McDonalds. College students who have worked for three months or more and are enrolled as full time students, are given approximately $2,500 per year towards their post secondary education! That is on top of their decent hourly wage as long as you continue to work a minimum of 15 hours. Walmart has a similar plan and also a good hourly wage. Think about those things when you apply for jobs during your senior year. Ask your employer if the job is transferable and if they offer tuition assistance or scholarships for employees!