Financial Aid Info

One of the biggest concerns students and their families have about continuing their education beyond high school is how to pay for courses and programs. Fortunately, there are many sources of financial aid. There are several steps that students and their families must take in order to take advantage of many of these programs, and we hope to provide some basic information on this page.

In order to qualify for most of these types of aid, students and their families should complete the FAFSA (see below). The basic types of financial aid are:

1. Scholarships & Grants - Scholarships and grants are funds to pay for your education that do not have to be paid back to the issuer. Grants are often based upon financial need, whereas scholarships are based upon merit (grades, accomplishments, etc.). Grants and scholarships can come from the government, private organizations, individuals, or colleges and schools. Use the links on our Scholarship Opportunities page to search for these valuable sources of money. Look for eligibility requirements, and make sure you meet all deadlines! Click here for more general info about this type of aid.
2. Loans - Student loans can originate from the federal government or private financial institutions. Make sure you understand who is making your loan and the terms that are associated with the interest that will be charged and the repayment schedule. Click here for more information about student loans.
3. Work Study - The federal government can provide some students with Federal Work Study opportunities. These programs allow students to work part-time to earn the money needed to help pay for tuition. Many schools also offer work-study programs on campus for students. Click here to learn more about these programs. Don't forget to check with your college for more on their own programs!

Be sure to check out these important sites pertaining to the financial aid process!

Georgia's HOPE Program - Visit GAcollege411's page that provides the low-down on Georgia's various programs to provide assistance with paying for your education beyond high school. These programs include the HOPE Scholarship, the HOPE Grant, the Zell Miller Scholarship, and the HOPE GED Grant. You must apply for the HOPE programs by completing the application on GAcollege411 or by completing the FAFSA (see below).

Federal Student Aid - The website for this part of the US Department of Education provides a wealth of information on the various types of financial aid offered through the federal government. The federal government provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for qualifying students.

FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an essential tool for qualifying for almost all financial aid that will be offered by the government and educational institutions. Completed free and online, the FAFSA uses information provided by the student and his/her family to generate the Student Aid Report (SAR), which determines the student's Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Typically, the FAFSA is completed during January as families are preparing their taxes for the previous year.

Video Resources for Financial Aid & FAFSA - Visit FAFSA's official YouTube page to view several helpful videos regarding the FAFSA and the financial aid process.

Etowah Foundation - This local organization provides financial aid for Bartow County residents who apply and meet qualifying standards. Their application window opens on January 1st and closes on April 1st of each year. Visit their site to apply and learn more about this valuable resource!

Scholarship Opportunities - The CHS Guidance updates this page each time that we receive information about scholarships available for the students of Cass High. In addition to specific scholarships, we have listed several of the reputable scholarship search engines. Take time to review these links and sites. Remember that no scholarship is too small. They all add up!