Financial Aid Process


With the cost of higher education rising, many families are asking: How can I afford to send my child to college? Oftentimes, folks assume the only answer to the question above is student loans. Many students do take out student loans to help them afford college; however, there are many different types of FREE financial aid (meaning, the student does not have to pay it back). These grants and scholarships come from a variety of sources including:

  • Federal government
  • State government
  • Colleges & Universities
  • Outside non-profit organizations
  • Corporation

The first step to getting ANY financial is to by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). See more information and get help completing the FAFSA. Deadlines are crucial in this process. As you research admissions deadlines, also check your financial aid deadlines. Missing a deadline by even one day could cost you thousands of dollars! So check the date!

The financial aid process: Complete FAFSA (in December); Receive & Review Student Aid Report; Review Financial Aid Award Offer; Complete Verification Process (if selected); Respond to College; Complete all pending processes; Renew FAFSA every year!