Types of Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans (Federal Stafford Loans, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students - "PLUS", Private Loans)
- Student Employment (Work Study)
Local Scholarships become available to high school seniors in late February or early March. This information is mailed out to all seniors each year.
When searching for scholarships check the following sources:
• Internet sites
• Scholarship area in the High School IMC
• Financial Aid Office at the college/university you plan to attend
• Parents' and students' places of employment
• All organizations that the student or parents belong to. Look at churches, lodges, companies, civic organizations, etc.
• Military service branches
Scholarships available include: Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program,
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance and Federal Student Aid.
• College/University specific websites as they most likely have their own. For instance, a music school, business school or psychology department within a post-secondary school may sponsor scholarships.
State Scholarships and Grants:
WARNING: DO NOT PAY FOR SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES!
Wisconsin Higher Education Grants (WHEG)
Wisconsin Technical College Grants, Loans, and Other Aid Programs
Useful websites:
www.fastweb.com – Scholarship search
www.students.gov - US Government resource site (career, college, military, financial aid, etc)
www.heab.state.wi.us - The Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) is the state agency responsible for the management and oversight of the state's student financial aid system for Wisconsin residents attending institutions of higher education.
www.studentaid.ed.gov - Federal Student Aid Center
www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov - Federal student aid projector tool
www.finaid.org - Financial aid information
www.guaranteed-scholarships.com - Merit and other aid listed by college
Many families are understandably concerned about meeting rising college costs. Any candidate for admission to college should apply for financial aid if his or her family feels that they may not be able to pay the entire cost. Early in their senior year students should be sure to check the financial aid deadlines and the forms which are required by each college they are considering. Students should pursue all possible sources of financial aid. Please keep in mind, however, that "financial need" can
Students (typically juniors and seniors) and their parents are encouraged to attend the annual Deerfield/Cambridge/Lake Mills Financial Aid Night. Students should listen for announcements and watch for posters hung around school.
FAFSA
FAFSA is the acronym for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is required for anyone wishing to be considered for federal-based loans and other monies at post-secondary schools. Applying for financial aid may done by completing a mail-in paper version or an on-line version. We strongly encourage the use of the on-line version because the process is quicker, and the turnaround time is cut in half. It normally takes two weeks to receive a response when filing on-line as opposed to the mail-in paper version, which takes four to five weeks. The on-line version has a downloadable preliminary worksheet to help estimate the amount of financial aid for which the student would qualify. Why is it important to complete your FAFSA? - See HERE!
Before beginning the process of applying on-line for federal aid, it is necessary for students and parents to obtain PIN numbers, which will also serve as electronic signatures. Apply for your PIN numbers early. This can be done well in advance of filing your tax returns.
www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp
The next step is to file an application with FAFSA. Use the link below to this government site. (Warning !!! The site "FAFSA.com" is a commercial site run by people who charge lots of money for what is free through the government site. Don't use it by mistake!)
FAFSA Application - www.fafsa.gov
FAFSA4caster (instantly calculates eligibility for federal student aid) - www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/F4CApp/index/index.jsf
FAFSA WEBINARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. Everything you need to know about completing the FAFSA. Register today at: www.mygreatlakes.org/fafsa
College Goal Sunday is an annual national event that provides free information and assistance to families who are filling out the FAFSA. It takes place in February at 30 locations across the state. Please visit the website to view locations and times: http://wicollegegoalsunday.org/
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