FINANCIAL AID

Apply to colleges that fit your criteria for academics, distance, size, location, type, and campus life. Never give up on the college of your choice because you think you can't afford the "sticker price". While your decision to go to college is an investment of time and money, it can cost far less than you think. Anyone who has the desire and the academic credentials can make a college education reality. Every year, more than $90 billion in aid is available to help students and families meet college costs.

Today, most students attending college receive some form of financial assistance. The major sources include:
-grants and scholarships from colleges, and from federal and state governments.
-loans from the federal government, some colleges, and private lenders
-job programs on- or off-campus.

Everyone should fill out the FAFSA to get financial aid for college.
What do you need to fill out the FAFSA?
--You will need records for income earned in the year prior to when you will start school. You may also need records of your parent(s)' income information. For the 2004-2005 school year, you will need 2003 information and so on. You will also need to refer to:

-Your Social Security card and driver's license
-W-2 Forms or other records of income earned
-Your (and your spouse's, if you are married) Federal Income Tax Return
-Your parent(s)' Federal Income Tax Return
-Records of other untaxed income received such as welfare benefits, social security benefits, TANF, veteran's benefits, or military or clergy allowances.
-Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments.
-Business of farm records, if applicable.
-Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Important Numbers and Web sites:
Federal Student Aid Information
Call for free copies of financial aid materials, including the FAFSA
1-800-4-FED-AID or 1-800-433-3243
or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.pin.ed.gov

Financial Aid Information Page
www.finaid.org