What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is assistance to help students pay for college.  There are many types of financial aid and it comes in many forms.

 

Federal Financial Aid Programs—Federal programs are based on financial need. This means that household income is evaluated to determine how much and the type of assistance may be available to you. They are the largest single source of financial aid for college. Students complete the FASFA (Federal Application for Student Aid) application to have eligibility evaluated.

 

State Financial Aid Programs—Most states support different types of aid programs (both need-based and merit). Generally, eligibility for state need-based programs follows the federal guidelines. For student's in Georgia visit the Georgia Futures site for information about Hope eligibility

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Click HERE for a list of local scholarship opportunities. 

 

Grants and Scholarships —Awards are based on merit (test scores, g.p.a. ) or merit plus need. They don't have to be repaid.

 

Student Loans— These are funds loaned through a lending institution or a college. STUDENT LOANS MUST BE REPAID.  Interest rates vary by program. For federal loans, qualifying students—based on need—will not have to pay interest while in school. Loan programs also are available to eligible parents to help with the college expenses of their children that qualify.

 

Military programs—The military offers several options to help you pay for college.

 

Work-study —Jobs that allow students to earn money toward their education while they are enrolled in school. Students can sometimes get jobs related to their program of study while working on campus. It provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school. It’s available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial needs. It’s available to full-time or part-time students. Check with your school's financial aid office to find out if your school participates.