Scholarship, Grants & Financial Aid
Scholarships
These funds do not need to be repaid
Funds are generally earned through academic (merit based) or scholarship applications
Search Engines
Make sure you are checking the deadlines
Big Futures - Scholarship Search options
Opportunity Scholarship Big Futures - can start to qualify for scholarship in your sophomore year, starting at $500. Complete all 6 steps by your Senior year and put your name into the pot for a $40,000 scholarship.
Grants
These funds do not need to be repaid
Students qualify through grants based on financial need, which is determined by the SAI from the FAFSA application. Students who do not complete a FAFSA are ineligible for grants
The FAFSA application must be completed every year while the student is in school to receive funds
Work Study
The SAI from FAFSA will determine if you are eligible
College will post job opportunities for student to apply for during their school year
Loans
Loans must be paid back, with interest
Federal student loans include:
Subsidized Loans (interest does not start to accrue until the student is done with school)
Unsubsidized Loans (interest start immediately)
The Parent PLUS loan is a loan that a parent may apply for to help their student cover the costs of attending university
Private loans are loans through financial institutions for which the student applies. Generally, students will require a cosigner, as they likely have not established a sufficient credit history