Financial Aid
FINANCIAL AID
Students/parents should never assume that they cannot afford a particular college or university
Financial Aid - money provided to the student/parents to help pay for the student’s education. Financial aid makes it possible for students to attend colleges that would otherwise be too expensive.
*****COMPLETE THE FASFA APPLICATION (ASAP) BEGINNING OCTOBER 1st *****
****MUST DO FAFSA EVERY YEAR YOU ARE IN COLLEGE****
FAFSA – (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on-line and available October 1. fafsa.gov
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FAFSA - must be completed to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid
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Start by – Getting your FSA ID at gov (NOW)
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Fill out and submit FAFSA beginning October 1 (may use previous year tax return information)
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Many types of financial aid are given on a first-come, first-served basis so delays could hurt you.
On-Line Application – process time 3 days to 3 weeks
(easy to complete, more accurate has built in edit checks that catch and correct many common errors.)
Mobile Application – go to app store – FAFSA MOBILE APP: myStudentAid
Paper Application - You may request a paper application by calling 1-800-433-3243
(takes longer and has potential to cause delays)
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By completing the FAFSA you are applying for any and all federal student loans, grants and/or work study and the following federal sponsored aid:
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Pell Grant – Money that is NOT repaid and is based on financial need.
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FESOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) – Money that is NOT repaid and is based on financial need.
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Federal Perkins Loan – A low interest loan for students with exceptional financial need.
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Federal Family Education Loans, Direct Loans, Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans
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After schools receive your FAFSA information they will put together a financial aid packet and present it to you so you will know how much money you will be responsible for.
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MOST COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES REQUIRE A FAFSA TO BE ON FILE TO DISTRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIPS AND/OR ADDITIONAL FUNDING. After your acceptance AND after your commitment to a college/university, contact the financial aid office to determine if you are eligible for any additional funding such as: fee waivers, tuition waivers, departmental waivers, additional money associated with Oklahoma Promise, etc.
Most colleges/universities will present students with a financial aid package in the spring.
MAJOR FORMS OF FINANCIAL AID:
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GRANT – Money given to a student and does not need to be repaid. Usually given due to financial need. (generally provided by individual states or the federal government)
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SCHOLARSHIP – money that is awarded because of exceptional academic achievement, an outstanding talent or skill and/or financial need. (Does not need to be repaid)
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WORK STUDY – money a student earns by working on or off campus, usually 10 – 15 hours per week. (federal work study programs and student employment at your college or university)
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LOANS – Money that is borrowed and must be repaid. (federal and private loans)
Additional Resources to help you find Financial Aid:www.UCanGo2.org - Is a program of the Oklahoma College Assistance Program
Home page (1) click on start with fafsa.org (2) click on the television which reads - “the FAFSA in Five,” this is a 4 minute video and will give you step by step instructions for filling out the FAFSA. Click on Scholarships at the top of the page to get information about scholarships.
www.OKcollegestart.org - Is Oklahoma’s official website that provides information about high school planning, career planning and higher education planning. There is information about careers, colleges, financial aid, and scholarships.
Easy On-Line Resource about occupations/employment, education/training, financial aid, scholarships,
writing resumes or cover letters and assessments that could help match your interests to occupations.okcareerguide.org – (you can log in through CLEVER) provides you with all the career and educational resources needed to chart your course for your future.
Found on the OKCareerGuide.org homepage Under “Log In.”
Click On: “Log In” - “Log In with Clever” - “type in their school” - “365 Log In” - You may need to fill out some demographic info
www.finaid.org (Smart Guide to Financial Aid) – Go to guide for college and financial aid
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