Financial Aid
Receiving a good education can be costly and that’s okay because you can apply for financial aid to help jump start your journey. The following information below explains the type of financial aid available, who qualifies for it, and how to apply.
FAFSA
(free application for Federal Student Aid)
The Department of Education eases the burden of paying for college through Financial Aid, by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA funds are awarded on a first come – first serve basis, so it is important to apply early. If you are a California resident, be sure to apply to Cal-Grant, California’s own education grant program. However, Cal-Grant money is only usable at in-state institutions.
Remember, if you are considered a dependent by the Department of Education, your parent’s income information will be required unless there are extenuating circumstances. Contact us or your school’s financial aid office for more information.
Meeting the Need
The college’s total Cost of Attendance (COA) is determined based on the school you are planning to attend. An important calculation to remember is:
Cost of Attendance (COA) minus Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Need.
COA – EFC = Need
Need determines if the loans you receive will or will not have interest accruing while you’re in school, or if it will be a combination of both. Need will vary from college to college.
Interest Assessment
Even though your family may be eligible for full Financial Aid, there may be a “gap” (difference between institutional charges and financial aid received). The gap can be covered through various means like scholarships, grants, private education loans, or for dependent students, the parents may be eligible to borrow from the Federal PLUS loan program.
Other Financial Aid Sources
Scholarships and grants are FREE money. Federal work-study allows students to have a paying job while attending college. Loans must be repaid. Military aid requires that you or a qualified family member served time in the American Armed Forces. Sources of Financial Aid are: Federal, State, Private College, Loans from Private Banks, and Private Scholarships.
Financial Aid: Alternative Loans
To supplement or to replace federal Stafford Loans for students and federal PLUS Loans for parents, private lenders (such as banks and some states) offer “alternative loans” to parents and students. They help the borrower pay parent contribution, student contribution, or cover an aid gap. The amount of the loan should be no greater than the difference between the Cost of Attendance and aid that has been awarded. Some lenders will allow payment to begin six months after the student has completed school or is no longer enrolled full time. When the student is the borrower, a credit-worthy cosigner is usually required. If you need this type of loan, find out what is available and compare rates and terms.