A visit to a college campus is a very important part of the process of finding a college that is a great academic, social and financial fit.  The very first point: make sure your son or daughter is enthusiastically on-board and engaged in making the plans.

On October 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) will be available. High school seniors and college students continuing into Academic Year 2020-21 will need to file a new form to be eligible for aid in the 2020-21 Academic Year. FASFA allows students to participate in federal student aid programs, including the Direct Student Loan Program, the Pell Grant Program, Work-Study, and other federal aid programs. Without filing, students will not be eligible for these programs. 

Federal and state governments, colleges, and private third-parties offer grants and scholarships to help pay for college.

Unlike other parts of the financial aid package, grants and scholarships are free money, they don’t have to be repaid like loans or earned such as a work-study award. 

Paying for college can be one of the most stressful parts of the college experience.  It’s essential to know all of the options to chip away at a big bill.  Financial Aid Award letters include grants and scholarships (free money with few strings attached), loans (need to be repaid) and earned-aid (usually work-study) – a guaranteed part-time job.  Part-time jobs, either under the work-study program or not, offer valuable opportunities for students to earn money, reduce debt, and gain valuable experience.