Financial Aid for College

Forms

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
•    Register online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
•    Submit between January 1 and each college’s deadline (typically in February).

PROFILE
•    Separate financial aid form required by many colleges.
•    List of colleges using PROFILE and the online form can be found at www.collegeboard.com.
•    Colleges may use this form for early decision applications.
•    Visit each college’s website for applicable deadlines.

Cal Grant GPA Verification
•    Cal Grant program for California residents attending an instate college.
•    Application automatically takes information from FAFSA.
•    Required Cal Grant GPA Verification Form is available in the college resource room in January and February. Deadline is March 2.


Types of Financial Aid

Need-based
•    Determined by the amount FAFSA (and in some cases PROFILE) determines based on income, assets, and other factors.
•    Individual colleges create aid packages (grants, loans, work study, etc.) based on a wide range of considerations, including cost.

Merit-based
•    Based on academic record, athletic talent, and other factors.
•    May be separateor in combination with need-based financial aid.
•    May be offered by colleges (visit each college's website for requirements) or outside agencies (such as www.fastweb.com and www.schoolsoup.com).

Note: Be wary of individual, agencies or services that ask for money up front with the promise of finding scholarships.