Merit-based financial aid
Need-based financial aid
How to apply

Aid based on Merit

Scholarships: free money not to be repaid, awarded by:

• Colleges
• Churches
• Clubs
• Foundations
• Unions
• Businesses
• Professional organizations
• Armed services/veterans
• Ethnic groups
• High grades
• Community/school service
• Grades and service
• Choice of college major (art, engineering, journalism, etc.)

Note: Some scholarships may also include need as part of their consideration.

Most applications are available in the Career Center; if not, contact the sponsoring organization.

Scholarship information is available in the Career Center, counseling office, bulletin board and in the weekly student notes.

Scholarship searches are available on the Internet. See the Resource Shelf section for addresses.

In addition to the FAFSA, colleges may require their own financial aid form. Students must check with the college they plan to attend.

Aid based on Need (top of page)

College costs (room, board, tuition) minus what a family can pay equals need.

• To establish what the government says a family can afford, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15 of their senior year.
  
  
• This amount is determined by a formula using the financial information on the FAFSA.
  
  
• This amount stays the same regardless of college costs.
  • Example:
    College Costs – Family $$ = Need (room, board, tuition)
    
    
    • University of Michigan
      $11,000 – $3,000 = $ 8,000
      
      
    • Bowling Green State University
      $13,500 – $3,000 = $10,500
      
      
    • Duke University
      $32,000 – $3,000 = $29,000

Need can be met through a combination of sources. A financial aid package is put together by the college financial aid office that has received your FAFSA information.

• Grants: Free money not to be repaid.
• Loans: Money to be repaid; variety of programs through banks, school, government.
• Work–Study: Campus job funded by federal or state program.

FAFSA forms are available in the Career Center just prior to January 1. Information for Internet filing can be found on the front page of the FAFSA form. Information on Federal student aid programs 1-800-433-3243.

How to apply for financial aid
(top of page)