Paying for college

Financial Aid Steps:

Step 1:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To qualify for most financial aid programs & some state and institutional financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The fastest and most accurate way to apply is online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Students should complete the FAFSA even if they are not sure they will need financial aid; it’s free and just about every family is eligible for some form of financial aid.

Opens October 1st (You apply EVERY YEAR you plan to enroll in college)

STEP 2:

Apply for State Assistance - this can be done IMMEDIATELY after you submit your FAFSA

Iowa College Aid - www.iowacollegeaid.gov/scholarshipsandgrants

Iowa Financial Aid Application - https://icaps.iowacollegeaid.gov/ICAPS/ApplicationProcess/ApplicationMainPage.aspx

Opens October 1st, part of the FAFSA process

STEP 3:

college or university scholarships

If you are applying for admissions to multiple colleges, it is OK to apply to scholarships to all of them. It is better to apply if you are unsure, than not apply and miss out. You will be able to decline scholarships if you decide not to attend the school.

  • Check the following for EACH college:

  • University Website

  • Program of Study

  • University Music, Arts, Athletics, Clubs, Greek Life, Alumni, Theater

STEP 4:

High School Scholarships

Criteria: Students must have a minimum 2.7 GPA at the end of their 11th grade year, must be a full-time student attending Mason City High School or Mason City Virtual Academy (i.e., dual-enrolled students, foreign exchange students are not eligible), and must be on-track to earn a diploma from the Mason City Community School District. Emails have been sent out to the seniors who are eligible. Contact Mrs. Wymore if you have questions.

STEP 5:

Apply for private scholarships

We can't guarantee you will receive scholarships, but we can guarantee you won't if you don't try! Apply for as many as you can - the more you apply for the better your odds!!!

Some of these are local but many are not.

Watch for local scholarships to come out in the Spring. The Scholarship page gets updated often! Check back!!!!

Scholarship Search Engines


REMEMBER - Scholarships don't have to be paid back! Apply for as many as you can!!!