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Financial Aid & Scholarships

As if the college application process weren’t complicated enough, add financial aid and scholarships to make it all the more confusing.  All students, regardless of your level of need, should apply for scholarships and aid.  The College Coach can help direct you to the appropriate financial aid locations so that you can pay for college. 

 

What do you NEED to know?  

 

1) Complete the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Regardless of need, you should complete the FAFSA in order to qualify for scholarships, grants and loans.   Schools require you to complete this form in order to be considered for any aid.  You can file your FAFSA after January 1st and most colleges need your FAFSA results in by mid-February.  The money is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get those applications started.  To determine if you will qualify for need-based money, check out the Fafsa4caster on the FAFSA home page:www.fafsa.ed.gov.

You can find the form at www.fafsa.gov.

 

2) Complete the CSS Profile 

Many highly selective schools require you to complete the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA in order to be considered for merit and need-based money.  Be aware that if you are applying Early Action, you may need to complete this form as early as November. For more information go to: profileonline.collegeboard.com/.

 

  1. Search Online Resources 

Though it can sometimes be overwhelming, there are several reputable online resources to guide your need and merit-based search process.  

 

 

  1. Know the Tips of the Trade

There are some important general tips of the trade that will help you be successful in your scholarship search.  

 

5) Understand General Financial Aid & Scholarship Information

Unclear about how to embark on this process?  Check out: finaid.org and students.gov.

 

6) Determine Your Expect College Cost

Due new educational requirements, all colleges must help you estimate how much money you may be required to pay.  Check out these college cost calculator from the US government and College Board.

 

7)  Be Aware of Individual College Financial Aid Forms

Be aware that a number of schools may require you to complete other financial aid forms in order to receive other scholarships that are specific to that school.  For more information, call the Financial Aid Office at your school.  

 

  1. Are you a Colorado Resident?  Apply for the COF!

The College Opportunity Fund provides free money to Colorado residents who attend school in Colorado.  All seniors should sign-up! 

 

  1. Do you have a learning disability?  

There are a number of scholarships for students with learning disabilities.  Check these out! 

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