FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
October 28, 2025 @ 5:30pm in Library
Seniors and Parents, plan to attend!
Any questions, please contact Mrs. Lindstrom
DO NOT NOT PAY TO RECEIVE THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA), A FREE APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE!
Types of Financial Aid Available
Federal Aid Programs—Based on financial need through FAFSA.
Federal Pell Grants: Financial assistance awarded by the federal government based on need. The Student Aid Report (SAR) informs students of their Pell Grant eligibility. The grant may be used towards tuition, room and board, textbooks, or other educational costs and requires NO REPAYMENT
Federal Perkins Loans: Loans funded by the federal government and awarded by the institution. The loans feature low interest rates and are repayable over an extended period of time.
Subsidized FFEL or Direct Stafford Loans: are awarded on the basis of financial need. Recipients will not be charged interest until they begin repayment.
Unsubsidized FFEL or Direct Stafford Loans: are NOT awarded on the basis of need. Interest accumulates from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.
PLUS Loans (for parents): provide low interest loans to credit-approved parents of eligible undergraduate students. Repayment typically must begin 60 days after loan is fully disbursed.
Grants—Awards based on merit or merit plus need.
Loans—Funds loaned through a lending institution or college. Interest rates vary by program.
Military Programs—The military offers several options to help you pay for college.
Work Study Programs—Jobs that allow students to earn money towards their education while they are enrolled in school.
Scholarships—Free money awarded to students based on student's application, deadlines must be followed
Sample Financial Aid Inquiry Letter
[Your street address]
[Your city, state, zip code]
[Date]
[Name of person contacting]
[Individual’s title]
[Name of company/organization]
[Address]
[City, state, zip code]
Dear Mr(s).______________________
I am writing to inquire about any student financial assistance that [name of company/organization] may offer to college-bound students.
[Enter a concise paragraph about your background and goals. Try to show how you meet the requirements of the organizations financial assistance program(s). If this is a letter to find out if the organization offers aid, write a short paragraph about how your background and ambitions coincide with the mission of the organization and might qualify you for assistance that may be offered.]
I would greatly appreciate information about any financial assistance available through your organization, including how I may apply for this assistance. Information about application forms and deadlines for the [20XX-20XX] academic year would also be appreciated. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at [XXX-XXX-XXXX] or via email at [XXXX@XXX.COM].
That you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
___________________________
Resources
FinAid- Offers information about financial aid- also visit www.studentaid.gov and www.financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov
FAFSA- Apply for financial aid online/ FSA ID Website/ FAFSA Phone Helpline: 1-800-4-FED-AID.
Also check out www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov and http://blog.ed.gov/2016/09/12-common-fafsa-mistakes/ for common FAFSA Mistakes
Student Loan Information- Complete counseling for loans.
Western Undergraduate Exchange- Offers information about reduced tuition for western states.
College Net- Estimate how much financial aid you could be eligible for.
Wired Scholar- Learn about the loan process.
Military Benefits- Gives links to documents which aid school officials, veterans,and dependents.
College View- Similar to FinAid. (See FinAid first.)
Peterson's- Similar to FinAid. (See FinAid first.)
The American Legion - Need A Lift?- Offers scholarship and financial aid information.
FAFSA and Financial Aid Guide - https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/financial-aid/financial-aid-for-online-colleges/
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Students - https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/financial-aid/
Prestige Scholarships for College - https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/prestige-scholarships/
How to Avoid Debt While in College - https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/debt-free-college/
Financial Aid Options for Online Colleges - https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/financial-aid/online-college-degree-cost/
Stress-Free Guide to Student Loans - https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/student-loans/
(All first-time borrowers of Federal Stafford Loans must complete Entrance Counseling.)