A Quick Guide

FINANCIAL AID

Federal Available after completing FAFSA-http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

State Almost every state has financial aid for it’s residents Also Available after FAFSA or State Application

University/ Institutional Many institutions provide need based financial aid There are also Institution based scholarships available

Private Any company, program, or outside source that provides

scholarships

MAIN TYPES OF AID

Combine all 4 types of aid.Focus on Federal + State Aid (FAFSA)Use target institutions as resources (website, email,

phone)Search locally -> nationally for private scholarshipsFunds are limited so some programs are fi rst come

fi rst serve.Starting early gives you the best chances of success!

BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT IT

Start in September (start now)Visit http://www.nasfaa.org/ for outline of Fin. Aid.Visit target university websites for financial aid

policies & programs immediately.Apply for your FAFSA PIN

IMMEDIATE STEPS

Opens January 1st

Profi le determines financial need/ situation.Must be signed using PIN by Guardian and Student,

get *these early http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp

Automatically apply for Fed. And State AIDMOST IMPORTANT FORM! Finish FAFSA As Soon As PossibleFinish at the latest March 15th

FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)

Federal Pell Grants up to 5,550 each year for 12 semesters

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Awarded to students in exceptional need.

The Federal Work-Study Program Opens students up to Work Opportunities

Check your Eligibility for these programs (Income based) and more.

FAQS and a thorough outline. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm

FEDERAL AID – LIKELY BENEFITS

Each state has programs for need, merit, and more! State Education Agency website:

http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_cd=SHE

Overview of Universities and State Programs

**State by State financial aid Programs **: http://www.nasfaa.org/students/State_Financial_Aid_Pr

ograms.aspx

STATE RESOURCES

Will usually rely on FAFSA application to determine eligibility

Many will not have separate applicationMany have specific requirements: GPA, AP/ IB

enrollment, demonstrate financial need, etc. etc.Opportunities available for certain degrees (teaching,

engineering, etc.) & demographics.Often renewable if yearly requirements are met**Funds are limited, finish application early.Do not assume you will receive, check the website!

STATE RESOURCES

Colleges/ Universities off er scholarships and GrantsCompanies, foundations and other organizations

off er ScholarshipsBased on need, merit, achievement, and MORE.

Can be very open or narrow eligibility requirements.Should be lowest priority/ source of aid.

PRIVATE AID

Will have unique ApplicationWill have unique DeadlineWill not necessarily have high competitionLook for these deadlines As Soon As PossibleShould NEVER be any FEES for applications, beware

of scams!

PRIVATE AID

Search locally (in your City/ Town) - fewer applicants (easier to get). Look where you’re involved!

College Counselors should have plenty of information for local scholarships.

There are scholarships for everything, expand your horizon! Prioritize local scholarships and then attempt larger ones. Do not be afraid of essay, poetry, or other competitions. If you qualify, then apply!

Always keep track of deadlines.Look in scholarship books and online:

www.fastweb.com www.collegeboard.com www.Zinch.com/scholarships

PLAN FOR PRIVATE AID

If they off er Early Admission - may require a CSS profi le

Profi le determines financial need/ situation.Early admit or not, check the website to see if profi le

is necessary: https://profi leonline.collegeboard.org/prf/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet.srv

Few scholarships that also require the profi le - very specific, do a scan. If you are not interested or ineligible for the scholarships and your target school does not require the profi le. Do not fi ll it out.

If profi le necessary, submit 2 weeks before the submission deadline.

If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you may be eligible for a fee waiver for the CSS profi le.

CSS PROFILE/ IDOC

Start heavy searching after College AppsWinter break is perfect for scholarship searchUseful tip: Get a physical calendar! Keep track of

application dates!No calendar? EXCEL Spreadsheet!Your mentee doesn’t have to finish the scholarship

applications now, but check eligibility and have a look at the application as soon as possible.

Have your mentee talk to their high school counselors. * *

Many deadlines for scholarship opportunities come around Mid February and on, to stay eligible, KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES.

EXECUTION

Start by checking your target institutional scholarships and programs early.

Check for Financial Aid within your state and apply if necessary.

Begin your Private Aid Scholarship search (September - December)

Finish FAFSA as soon as possible (After January 1 st) Fill out CSS Profi le/ IDOC if necessary Focus on institutional aid and continue private

scholarship applications. The more you apply, the higher your chances. If you are

eligible, Apply! Local Scholarships Larger, National Scholarships Once again, KEEP TRACK OF YOUR DEADLINES

RECAP

AP and Dual enrollment classes Reach out to HS Counselors Earn College Credit, boost GPA, strive for higher

achievement AP credit accepting Universities:

https://apscore.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies

Consider Housing: Living at home, in a dorm, or off campus Home -> Save money, may be less social Dorm -> Expensive, but usually more social

Start at community College Very cost effective (Avarage < 1/2 public universities) Can Transfer to Public University (in State) Finish basic requirements then Transfer to Public University

WAYS TO CUT COSTS

Earn Money while working Federal Work Opens on campus and volunteer jobs Steady income and gain work experience.

Choose appropriate meal plan Be realistic, only buy what you will eat.

Buy used textbooks, rent, or find books online Use campus bookstore last Buy and return books in between cheaper alternatives Attempt to use an older edition

WAYS TO CUT COSTS

AXA achievement Scholarship: for outstanding achievement outside of the classroom: http://www.axa-equitable.com/axa-foundation/AXA-achievement-scholarship.html

Ron Brown Scholar: High achieving African Americans: http://www.ronbrown.org/Apply/EligibilityRequirements.aspx

Gates Millennium Scholarship: High Achieving ethnic minorities: http://www.gmsp.org/

List of Hispanic Scholarship Fund scholarships: http://hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs

HIGH ACHIEVING SCHOLARSHIPS

Large List of Scholarships (Texas Geared) http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa.cf

m?Kind=PGSMUST CHECK WEBSITE

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?ObjectID=699A998A-E7F3-1DCC-3F460F26136EEA05

Under “Types of Financial AID” State and Federal Grants and Scholarships link Private/Corporate Grants and Scholarships link Navigate the other pages as well!

TEXAS OPPORTUNITIES

GOV. Programs

For Link Opens

Due

Top 10% Scholarship Program

TX Public 2 year or 4 year college/ University. (State Resources)

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=385

FAFSA Jan 1

March 15

Texas GRANT Any public institution of higher education in TX (State Resources)

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=458

FAFSA Priority given to early applicants.March 15

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)

In state colleges and universities (from private resources)

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=406

FAFSA March 15

TEXAS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM (TEOG)

community college, technical college, certain state colleges (2 year colleges)

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=529

FAFSA March 15

Texas B-on-Time Loan

In state Public http://www.hhloans.com/index.cfm?objectid=b00c090d-e45d-4f4b-89da195959930185