Types of Financial Aid
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
CSS PROFILE
Some colleges also require that students complete the CSS Profile in order to be considered for institutional aid. Students should check each school's financial aid site to determine what the requirements are for financial aid.
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
These are funds that are awarded to students without expectation of repayment (sometimes referred to as "gift" aid). Sources of grants include federal and state governments, colleges, and private organizations.
The Cal Grant is a grant offered to students who live in California and plan to attend college in California. To apply for the Cal Grant, students need to complete the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov). The district will submit the other required document, the GPA verification form, so there is no need for students to do this.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
The Federal Work-Study program allows students work either on or off campus for an hourly salary. Some colleges have other student employment options either on or off campus. In order to qualify for Work-Study, students must complete the FAFSA.
LOANS
Loans should be a student's last source of aid that is used to pay for college. Loans are borrowed by students and parents to help meet college costs and must be repaid with interest. Some interest rates are better than others, so do the research carefully.
PLUS Loans (loans for parents to assist with a student's education)
*Resources for this page: Meeting College Costs by the College Board and Fund Your Future, a publication by the California Student Aid Commission.