Financial Aid and Scholarships
Fill out the Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA).
This application will be sent to colleges/universities of your choosing and let you know what grant money you may receive for FREE from the state. The sooner that it is submitted, the more money that is still available for you to receive. For more information, please check out this video: How to Fill Out FAFSA.
Even if you think or know you may not qualify, fill out the FAFSA anyway. There is money offered through different federal programs that you may not even realize, but if you do not fill out the FAFSA you will not even be considered eligible.
Let's start by clarifying the difference between scholarships and grants:
Scholarships - Money you can receive from private and public sources. Scholarships tend to have specific requirements in order to apply. There is another page under Guidance that will direct you to more local scholarships.
Grants - Financial aid that does not have to be repaid, unless you decide to stop attending college.
In short, this money is free and can be used to help pay for college!
Search Engines for Scholarships and Grants:
- College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)
- Unigo
These search engines may require you to create an account, but they are free and provide you with access to hundreds of scholarships. Be careful not to get overwhelmed! Just start by looking at two or three scholarships and note the ones that seem to be a good fit. Then tackle that list one by one.
Student loans make most of us groan, but sometimes they are necessary to achieve your goal. Before you accept student loans there are some things you need to know. Here are some quick tips:
1. Take only what you need to cover your tuition and necessities. You may be offered $20,000 in loans but only need $11,000 - do not accept all of the money!
2. There are different types of loans. Check out this link to learn the difference: CFNC Student Loans.
3. If you have money left over from your student loan, save it. Then use it to pay back toward that loan later on.
Be responsible with your money - you will have to pay it back at some point.
Work-studies are federal programs through the college or university of your choice that allow for part-time employment that works around your college schedule. The money is used to help pay for your college expenses. Please click the following link for a more in-depth explanation: FSA Work Study.
Contact your future school about possible work-study options, and be sure to specify you are interested on the FAFSA!