| Financial Aid is a wonderful program to | | | | at a time it's as easy as drawing a line |
| help with the cost of college. It is a | | | | from A to B. |
| program that helps to supplement the | | | | Begin by determining your eligibility to |
| cost of education and offers | | | | participate in federal, state and local |
| opportunities to those who otherwise may | | | | financial aid assistance. Once you have |
| not have the means to further their | | | | determined that you are a good candidate |
| education. | | | | for eligibility, apply for and receive |
| The first step to receiving financial | | | | your financial aid. After your initial |
| aid is to filling out the free | | | | application for Federal Student Aid, the |
| application for federal student aid. | | | | remainder of the process should be |
| This is the agency that determines what | | | | completed at your prospective college or |
| the family contribution should be. The | | | | university. The Financial Aid office can |
| difference between the cost of | | | | be very helpful with this process. |
| attendance and expected contribution for | | | | To ensure your success, plan a college |
| a student, determines how much funds | | | | education budget. Understand the |
| should be awarded based on need. There | | | | policies and procedures that will affect |
| are some programs that are based on | | | | your financial aid experience; and if a |
| merit or are non-need based and can | | | | student loan is part of your budget be |
| replace expected contributions from a | | | | sure you understand all the repayment |
| family source. | | | | options. Another important financial aid |
| By applying early, several funding | | | | opportunity that you can't afford to |
| sources for assistance can be | | | | overlook is the work-study program. |
| considered. An eligible student with | | | | Often you will be given a part time job |
| demonstrated need should not be denied | | | | within your college or university to |
| the opportunity to attend college. | | | | help you with expenses. With proper |
| Though the maze of financial aid can be | | | | planning, nearly anyone can obtain a |
| intimidating, if it is taken on a step | | | | good education. |