Guides students through the process of locating and applying for financial aid. Prepared by the Congressional Research Service for Members of Congress, updated October 2008.
Free information is readily available from:
High school counselors
College and career school financial aid offices (where you plan to attend)
Local and college libraries Student Aid on the Web (U.S. Department of Education)
Other Internet sites (search terms student financial aid OR assistance)
Ask questions: counselors may know if you have exceptional circumstances that affect your eligibility.
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. FinAid: for Parents College Savings Plan Network (state "Section 529" plans)
Tax incentives for higher education expenses
Financial need-based
Remember that students and their parents are responsible for paying what they can-- financial aid is a supplement, not a substitute, for family resources.
Non need-based
Factors include academic excellence, ethnic background, or organization membership. Corporations may also offer assistance to employees and children.
Federal Student Aid:
Provides nearly 70% of student aid under Loans, Grants and Work/study programs.
Available to all need-based applicants; some loans and competitive scholarships for non need-based.
Free information from the United States Department of Education:
Other grants, scholarships, and fellowships, mostly graduate level: search the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) by Beneficiary, such as "Student or Trainee" or "Graduate Student".
"Congressional" scholarships:
Named for Member of Congress or other prominent individual (such as Byrd Honors Scholarships, Fulbright fellowships)
Merit-based and highly competitive
Members of Congress do not play a role in selecting recipients
Search your Internet browser under terms such as student financial aid or assistance AND your state.
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.
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).
AmeriCorps Education Award
Volunteers who complete one year of service receive an education award for current higher education expenses or to repay student loans.
Bureau of Health Professions
Scholarships and loans to needy health profession students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
e-Scholar
Scholarships, grants, fellowships, internships, and cooperative education with federal agencies.
Indian Health Service
Scholarships for American Indian/Alaskan Native health profession students and loan repayment for persons working in IHS facilities.
