★ What should I know

Before Applying?

This page is a hub of activities, tools, and resources for the college journey. Students and families can use these together to start preparing for college and career success.

Understanding financial aid is the first step.

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but knowing where the money comes from makes it much easier to plan. Below you will find a breakdown of the three main categories of financial aid, plus key information about deadlines and how funds are distributed.

Financial aid may be broken down into 3 main categories.

Scholarships

Funds awarded to cover tuition & fees or room & board that do not need to be repaid.

Grants

Funds awarded to cover tuition & fees or room & board that require the recipient to fulfill specific obligations or repay a portion or all of the amount.

Loans

Funds awarded to cover tuition & fees or room & board that require the recipient to repay the amount of the loan plus accrued interest.

How the process works

A quick overview of where the money comes from and how the timeline typically plays out.

Where the funds come from

Sources & Eligibility

These funds may come from federal, state, regional, university, or other private sources. Some are based on academic merit, while others are based on financial need.

The vast majority of scholarship and grant applications are posted to the institution’s website at least one semester in advance.

Walking through a real example

How a Scholarship Cycle Plays Out

For example: A scholarship application for the spring semester of the 2024-2025 school year may be available in early October of 2024 and may close for submission in December of 2024.

Scholarships are then reviewed by a committee or chairperson from the awarding institution. Notifications are sent out to selected individuals toward the end of the semester. Funds are disbursed the following semester.

Some are applied to the student’s college/university account, whereas others are issued directly to the student. Information about the method of disbursement is typically included in the application instructions.

Most Important Step

File Your FAFSA by the Priority Deadline

Be sure to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline. Filing on time is one of the most important things students can do to maximize the aid they qualify for.

If you have questions, please reach out.

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