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Financial
Aid It is no secret that college is expensive, but there are many federal financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for post-secondary education. Applying for financial aid can often be confusing and complicated. Hopefully, the following information will help guide you through the process of locating and applying for financial aid. Financial Aid for StudentsThis Information Web page, prepared by the Congressional Research Service for Members of Congress, guides students through the process of locating and applying for financial aid. [Updated March 2006]
Start gathering information early. Free information is readily available from: Ask questions: counselors may know if you have exceptional circumstances that affect your eligibility. Be organized: use calendars to keep on track. Keep copies of all forms and correspondence: you must reapply for aid each year. Parents of students: save money long before your child attends college. Good overviews: Beware of scholarship scams -- don't pay for free information!
Basic assistance categories:
Federal Student Aid:
States offer residents a variety of scholarships, loans, and tuition exemptions.
Colleges and universities provide some 20% of aid, most need-based. Check university Web sites and the institution's financial aid office when you apply for admission. Private foundations, corporations, and organizations offer scholarships or grants:
Interested in public service? Federal assistance programs seek to encourage people to work in geographic areas or professions where there's a particular need (such as doctors in underserved areas); encourage underrepresented groups to enter a particular profession; and provide aid in exchange for services provided (such as military service).
Aid for private K-12 education: No direct federal assistance, check with schools themselves:
After college, the federal government has ways to help you repay your loans.
States, schools, and some private employers provide help in repaying loans in exchange for public service.
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