The Federal Government
is the largest source of need-based financial aid. Eligibility
for this aid is determined by the "need equation",
family contribution, the EFC.
The majority of the federal assistance programs administered
by the Department of Education include the following:
--Federal Pell Grants
--Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
--Federal Work Study (FWS)
--Federal Stafford Loans
--Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (FSLS)
--Federal Parent Loans (FPLUS)
To determine eligibility and apply for these and other federal
assistance programs, the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. The worksheet for completing
the FAFSA online is available in the Counseling Center.
The online application should be completed and submitted
as soon as possible on or after January 1st of the student's
senior year.
It is recommended that you apply for the FAFSA online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Both student and one parent will need a Pin # to electronically
sign the FAFSA. You may obtain a Pin # at www.pin.ed.gov
or at the FAFSA website. The Pin # is a Federally secure
# and will stay with both parent and student throughout
their college years. You must apply each year of college
for the FAFSA
.
Because Pell Grant is considered the cornerstone of financial
assistance for those with need, all students should complete
the FAFSA and apply for the Pell Grant. Even if the student
does not qualify for the Pell Grant, he or she may still
be eligible for the other aid. Mot colleges will not consider
a student for their financial aid programs if the student
has not applied for the Pell Grant. In addition to the FAFSA,
some private colleges and universities require additional
financial information. The CSS Profile
Application is one such example. Students who plan to attend
a private school should review the CSS Profile Application.
