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