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College financial aid? I am wondering about financial aids for colleges. If I want to apply for some financial aid from that college, do I have to say that I am going to that college then apply or can I like apply and consider going to that school. It is really difficult because I can't 100% say yes then apply for aid and not get it because it is an out of state college so it would be way more expensive. Could someone clear this up for me? Thanks! Found-1 replied: "Apply like you definitely are going to go. If you don't get the scholarship the school isn't going to hold you to attending if you cant afford it."
Jackson E replied: "No, you don't have to commit to a college to apply for financial aid. Depending on the college you apply for aid at the same time as you apply or once you have been accepted. Most colleges use the FAFSA application and it is filed independently of your college applications. You list the colleges you want to receive your FAFSA form when you fill out that form (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Once you are offered admission the college will generally send you a financial aid package. Once you review it you can then commit to a college." College & Financial Aid? Hey everyone, I'm doing some research on college & financial aid, and would like to get a general feeling about other people's experience with the process. I would really appreciate it you would all take my survey. Here's the link:
Thanks again! Dan W replied: "colleges.deep-ice.com - try this site. It has info about different US scholarships for college students and their grades requirements." College-Financial Aid? My family is fairly well off, my dad makes about 200,000 a year. I really want to attend a private university (total 50,000), but my dad says that there is no way. I try to tell him that some colleges guarantee financial aid, but he says we won't qualify.
I mean, is he right? Neither of my parents went to college, so how would they know?
Is it logical to assume that I may receive some financial aid?
What is the likelihood of me receiving a grant? I attend a blue ribbon/distinguished public high school in california. I have a 3.8-3.9 unweighted gpa, and I got a 30 on the act. I'm expecting to have 4 ap classes and 1 honor when I graduate, and I volunteer at the hospital 3 hrs. a week.
Thanks a lot : ]
P.S. If anyone has majored in pre-med or psychology, where did you go and how did you like it? ciessa1203 replied: "financial aid is a need-based thing. your grades have nothing to do with it. most grants people receive are pell grants, which are also need-based. you would not qualify for any grants. with your father's income, your expected family contribution will be large so you wouldn't be eligible to take out as many loans either.
try applying for scholarships at or
these will include some for good grades. also find out if the school you are hoping to attend would have any grants/scholarships for students in your situation with your educational background. they may have something for you.
as for your major, go for pre-med. there are too many graduates in psychology and not enough jobs. I have a degree in psychology and cannot find a job in the field (havent for the past 4 years). if you want to go the psyc route, get your mD and then specialize in psychiatry.
all in all, you will not be eligible for much financial aid with your family income, your parents are correct. but, if theres a will, theres a way. do some research to see what you can find"
pwernie replied: "It is possible that you could receive an award package consisting of grants, work opportunity, scholarship and/or loans.
My daughter is presently attending a private college in Wisconsin. We also did not qualify for aid on a financial basis. However, we still completed the FAFSA and requested aid with each college application. She was offered a package at each school, most consisting of small grants and on-campus work. She was also eligible for an unsubsidized Stafford loan of the maximum amount [only $3,500 freshman year]. The grants were NOT federal, but strictly monies that the college had to give.
The school she is now attending costs 30K+ annually. Her financial package is only about $6K. But every little bit helps.
You may qualify for scholarships based on your grades, or special interests. Contact the financial aid office of the university you are interested in and find out what is out there.
Your parents can also look into PLUS loans. These are NOT need-based, and are limited only by your out-of-pocket costs for attending school [your tuition+room and board+ a reasonable amount for books- any financial award package you receive]. Here is the website with more info on PLUS:
Good luck!"
Jdub replied: "Your dad is correct. You will not be eligible for federal or state grant programs. You will not be eligible for need based loan or work programs either. You would be eligible for non-need based federal loans (not the same as private alternative loans).
With your grades and service you should be eligible for scholarships. Scholarships are not based on financial need, just merit.
I would make an appointment with your school(s) of choice admission offices and ask about their academic scholarships. Most schools offer incoming freshmen scholarships based solely on merit, volunteerism, leadership, etc. You should qualify for these. The catch is most schools will require you to be admitted by December 1st of your senior year so if you haven't already visited the colleges you're interested in, you'd better start. Many schools offer summer visit days and visit days in the early fall. Make sure you take advantage of these opportunities.
Good luck." What agencies do I need to contact to apply for community college financial aid? What agencies do I need to contact to apply for community college financial aid? Including possible help with living expenses. Shanna C replied: "Do the FAFSA first its the most important, depending on your need you could get the full amount paid for with grants. Then check into Sallie Mae loans, that can help with living expenses."
Sprinter replied: "The college ought to have a financial aid office. That would be the most important place to start. If they are aware of other agencies to which you should apply, they'll give you points of contact."
molawby replied: "you'll need to fill out federal student aid form at also contact the financial aid office for the school you plan to attend they may have other forms for you to fill out for local scholarships you may qualify for. You can also pick up the fafsa application at their office and mail it in, or you can do it on the web. Filling out fafsa will let the office know if you qualify for pell grants(you don't have to pay back) and/or student loans. there are loans with deferred interest until you are out of school and some that start acruing interest immediately. Call the financial aide office many of them make you go through an orientation before yu can rcv funds to make sure you understand the process and answer your questions"
S.U.P.E.R.W.O.M.A.N replied: "NO IM NOT FROM ALABAMA....WHY?" Out of state community college financial aid eligibility? Are you still eligible to receive financial aid, if you're planning to attend an out of state community college. Can the government deny aid because it's out of state? MrsGee replied: "As long as it is an accredited college and is eligible to receive federal funds, then you're still eligible to complete the FAFSA and receive the funds that you're entitled to. You won't be denied because you're attending an out-of-state school." What income is poor enough for college financial aid? Hi, next year I'll be applying to Georgetown (my dream school), but i noticed that they dont give out any merit based scholarships except for sports (which dosent apply to me). However, Georgetown does offer financial aid. How poor does one have to be to qualify for financial aid?
My dad is a cabinet maker and my mom is a nurse, and together they earn about $100,000 before taxes. I have a brother and a sister that also need to go to college in 2-3 years. We have no college savings, but we do have A LOT of credit card debt.
I know I'm not poor, its just that we can in no way afford Georgetown! If accepted, is it likely that I will get financial aid? dawncs replied: "Mos competitive colleges like Georgetown do not offer merrit scholarships due to its application base. It is not a matter of being poor per say to qualify for financial aid but the individual circumstances of the person applying for it. The financial aid award is based on a percentage of your income and savings (at a higher rate than your parents) along with your parents' income and savings. It also takes into consideration how many are in your family size, mortgage size, and how many are attending college at the time. There is a more detailed worksheet for a fee which can help bring more help. In addition, I recommend applying for any outside scholarship no matter the amount because it will add up. I will include some free resources to locate tuition money to attend Georgetown.
First, I still recommend completing the FAFSA form even with your parents' income. It can also bring the work study program (spending money), need based scholarships from Georgetown's scholarship endowment fund, and student loans. One good thing about schools like Georgetown is that they have a big endowment fund but is dependent on the individual school itself.
Second, check with your high school guidance office if you are a high school senior. They have a list of local scholarships for its students. You have the best chance of getting a scholarship this way.
Third, the public library has a scholarship book listing various scholarships with some not even listed on the web.
Finally, I recommend joining several free membership scholarship search engines. They offer a customized search based on a survey you complete. There is a scholarship for almost anything out there including wearing duct tape to the prom.
Good luck!"
J replied: "I doubt you will get much. If you parents income is $100,000 you will get little to none. Most students only get enough financial aid when their parents make about $20,000 and that is a lot of students that are like that.
Your parents make A LOT a year, so I wouldn't complain."
Found-1 replied: "Dawns answer was very good. I have a few things to add. Since you are a senior, you need to apply for financial aid at as soon after Jan 1 as you can. The application is based on income and no debt is used to determine eligibility, however.... very important... when you siblings start college, they need to be included in the "number in college" on your and their application.
Don't get discouraged when you are denied for Federal Pell grants.... your parents make good money and pell is for people who are very poor. You will still qualify for Federal Student Loans (Prob Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and parent PLUS loans)... I'm attaching a book that has the maximum loan amounts and interest rates.
YES you will get financial aid.... just in the forms of loans, and hopefully scholarships... time to get busy!!
Good Luck" How does a parent divorce affect college financial aid? My parents are getting a divorce. I am going to be a freshman in college next year. I've already gotten my financial aid for this year, so that shouldn't change (right?) but I wasn't sure if this would affect my financial aid for the next years. My parent's income should stay roughly the same, albeit seperate.
Okay, additional question: Do I just get to pick which parent I want to report? I haven't lived with my parents for a year now and probably won't live with them again, so I don't technically have one or the other that I live with... My dad makes less money, am I allowed to say that I live with him for that reason? cntrygrl3485 replied: "single parents generally make less than married parents. you'll still have to fill out the "fafsa" form or whichever form is relevant for your situation. you'll be evaluated each year, so be sure to submit the forms on time! good luck!"
Lila replied: "I believe you send in the information for one or the other in that case...do you live with one? That would narrow it down. My parents have been divorced forever...my brother lives with my mom and claims only her income for financial aid purposes.
As to your second question, I see no reason why not. As far as education goes, I have no problem with anyone taking legal loopholes to better themselves. Besides, chances are that if you are still recieving financial aid reporting two incomes, you'll have your college paid for nearly completely no matter which parent you choose. Your dad would also be able to claim you on his next taxes if you chose that route."
jmum82 replied: "your financial aid for this year will stay the same. the financial aid for future years will depend on what parent you live technically live with. you have to have a residence with one of them so whoever that is, their income will be the deciding factor for the financial aid. another thing to keep in mind is that if that parent re-marries, the new spouses income will count as income for your financial aid as well."
*Cara* replied: "Regardless of the fact that you don't live with either of them, you still have to report your parents income until you turn 24 (I think thats the age). I was in the same situation and chose my mom's income since she was on disability and hardly had any. That way I was able to get more loans and grants."
Jdub replied: "If your parents are divorcing, you can appeal THIS YEAR for a reevaluation of your financial aid using only one income. You would have to show a copy of the parents divorce filing and one parent's federal tax return and W2s for 2006. Next year, when you file, you would file with one parent's data." Do you have to report college financial aid as income to unemployment? Lousy job market has forced me to go back to school for something more marketable. Have been on unemployment for several months. Soon I will start back to college and will be receiving federal financial aid for it. Do I have to report this to the unemployment office as income? I live in PA if that helps. PiggiePants replied: "Well to be eligible you need to be ready and available for work at any time. If you are enrolled in a college full-time, you will no longer be eligible for unemployment. If you are enrolled part-time, you may be eligible for partial benefits. You should contact Unemployment office local to you, and find out specifically what your options are. You can do this anonymously if you prefer. You are much better off finding out now, rather than have to pay back 6 months of beneifts when they find out later that you were not entitled to receive them." How long does it take to apply and get approved / enrolled into college ? financial aid ? how long does it take for a parent to process application for child for college ? determine if there is financial aid / borrow money if needed ? what is processing time for this ? Mike replied: "Apply for both early in your child's senior year. This will allow plenty of time. If this is your child's senior year, start RIGHT NOW. It's still early in December, so it's not too late; in fact, now is the perfect time. If you're in the U.S., fill out the federal FAFSA form to find out if your child is eligible for Pell Grants (free money!) or other financial aid. If you have your tax returns ready it will take no more than 30-45 minutes to fill out. Web sites like fastweb.com are good places to search for scholarships. You should also Google your state government's education web site to find out what kind of scholarships they offer to students who stay in state. Most students with scholarships get them directly from their school or state government. Good luck!"
blueeee replied: "that is a good question. it can vary depending on many factors. I enrolled two weeks before class started. You will have lots of documents to fill out. Make sure your taxes are up to date if you file for federal aid. I didnt file in april and I had to file in october to recieve the aid, which made for a few late fees. gl"
Laura C replied: "Usually all these things are done the year before the student wants to attend. For classes starting in Sept. 08, most applications for financial aid and applications/submissions for entry would be completed in Fall/early Winter 07.
Obviously, it depends on the college you wish to attend. A community college timeline is much shorter than a large 4 year university. Many smaller colleges let you apply at any time, even, (depending on open places) until the day classes start.
If you want federal financial aid (FAFSA), APPLY EARLY! I'd be applying soon for the next college year. The sooner you apply, the more you will get, and you will be (if you qualify) guaranteed that amount. If you apply later, you may not get as much, and the amount you receive will be for the entire school year, not just one semester.
Checking the individual college's website will help give you deadlines and dates, as each college is different.
Good luck on your college education. You'll never regret it!"
dpcarras2007 replied: "if you have everything in before the priority date, (the date establish by your state for the FAFSA) then it usually depends on the school. A university will usually have those things pumped out in a month because come april and may they are scraping the barrel for financial aid. Never went to a community college, but I hear they are very slow."
drgnotary replied: "About 6 months. Lots of paper work, and documentation of their finances to fill out. Contrats, and good luck."
fffjjjaaa;;; replied: "early senior year"
Found-1 replied: "The time varies from school to school, but as a general rule the fafsa should be filled out as soon after Jan 1st as possible during the students senior year. This is when the 08-09 application will go on line. Apply before that and you'll be applying for the current semester or this summer....
Scholarship searches need to happen now.... as well as campus tours of prospective schools...
here is an excellent publication regarding the fin aid process. There is a good flow chart included." How does missing a college financial aid deadline affect admission chances? Basically I have been an idiot and missed some specific financial aid form deadlines, some by days and some by a month. I'm debating what should I do now to minimize the damage. Should I apply anyways and hope for the best or just not apply? And does this affect my admissions chance? Please answer this question truthfully, because it is very important to me! Thanks in advance. altaira_3 replied: "Financial aid doesn't affect your chances for admission at all.
If the deadline you missed was for scholarships, then you probably cannot still try to apply. Those deadlines are firm and they won't consider your application after the deadline.
If you missed the FAFSA deadline, then all is not lost. You can still apply. The first deadline you missed was probably the priority deadline. This deadline is the day that the schools start putting together financial aid packages. In the case of some programs such as need-based state programs and some federal programs, the money does run out. If you think you would qualify as a very low income student, then you have probably missed your chance for some of this aid. However, there is other aid such as the Pell Grant and stafford loans that are offered year-round. So, if you qualify, you would get these no matter when you applied." |
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) FinAid! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans FAFSA : College Funding : College Financial Planning : Financial Aid ... College Scholarships and Financial Aid CollegeBoard: Pay for College Financial Aid - ED.gov Blinn College Financial Aid Lake Erie College - Financial Aid Long Beach City College- Financial Aid Federal Student Aid |
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