Financial Aid
In recent years, financial assistance for college students has not kept pace with the rising costs of a college education. Your family may need assistance meeting the annual cost of tuition, books, fees, room and board. If this is the case, you should be prepared to do a thorough search of available resources. Here are some points that may help you along the way:
- Look for scholarship information on Family Connection and in the Career Center. Access the various online scholarship searches.
- Investigate scholarship opportunities throughout your senior year. Let your counselor and career resource specialist know you are interested in locating scholarship money.
- Examine information available on individual college websites regarding financial aid, scholarships, and other payment options.
- Attend a financial aid workshop.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students must submit the FAFSA to be considered for any financial assistance including the Stafford Loan. The application for next fall will be available in October. Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.
- Complete and return CSS Profile application in the fall if applying to a college using this system.
- Visit the financial aid officers at the colleges to determine: the percentage of your demonstrated need will be met; the college's loan default rate. (This affects the amount of federal funds the colleges will have available.); whether the composition of the financial aid package changes from year to year; the tuition payment plans available.
NCAA Clearinghouse for Student Athletes:
High school athletes, who intend to become student/athletes in college, should apply to the NCAA Clearinghouse at the end of junior year to establish eligibility. Division I and II athletes will need to create a Certification account. Also, make sure to have your SAT and ACT scores sent to the Clearinghouse. Your coaches may advise you about the feasibility of playing college level sports.