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Discover the comprehensive options available for funding your college education. This guide covers the basics of financial aid, including how to apply through FAFSA, various types of aid such as scholarships and grants, and essential forms needed for institutional financial assistance. Learn about self-help aid options, including work-study programs and loans. Additionally, explore innovative savings options like pre-paid tuition plans and education accounts. Start your journey toward financial preparedness for college today!
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What is financial aid? How do I get financial aid? Types of Aid Scholarships Other Savings Options AGENDA
THE FAFSA • Free Application for Federal Student Aid. • File online: • www.fafsa.ed.gov. • FAFSA on the Web worksheet. • FAFSA required. • Federal aid. • State aid • Most institutional aid.
OTHER FINANCIAL AID FORMS • The PROFILE • Verification forms • Scholarship application forms • College-specific forms • HB 1079 Affidavit • http://www.leapwa.org/ep/ep_HB1079.asp
GIFT AID • Federal grants. • State grants. • Institutional grants and scholarships. • Scholarships. • Need-based • Merit-based
MeritSCHOLARSHIPS • Awarded with a range of focuses • Individual achievement • Volunteer work, overcoming adversity, academic achievement • Ability and talent • Athletic skill, musical aptitude, public speaking • Potential • Career aspirations, academic major • Requirements vary by scholarship
FINDING SCHOLARSHIPS • High school counselor. • College you plan to attend. • Public library. • Free online resources: • TheWashBoard: www.thewashboard.org • College Board: www.collegeboard.com. • College Answer: www.collegeanswer.com.
Know Yourself • Build your resume • Volunteer work • Hobbies • Skills • Interests • Family background
SELF-HELP AID • Federal work-study. • Federal Perkins loan. • Federal Stafford loan. • Subsidized. • Unsubsidized. • Federal PLUS loan.
FINANCING OPTIONS • Pre-paid Tuition Plans & State Sponsored Savings Accounts • Allows parents to lock in today’s tuition rates for their children’s future • www.collegesavings.org • Guaranteed Education Tuition- GET • www.get.wa.gov
FINANCING OPTIONS • Upromise • Create a college savings service that harnesses the purchasing power of parents, extended family, family, and students to make it easier to pay for college. • Members direct their spending to Upromise partners—including more than 800 online stores, 8,000+ restaurants, thousands of grocery and drugstore items—and earn money for college.
FINANCING OPTIONS • American Opportunity Tax Credit • During your first four years of at least half-time enrollment at an eligible institution, you or your parents can claim an American Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $2,500 toward federal income tax. • Lifetime Learning Credit • Available to you if you you’re taking one or more classes either in pursuit of a degree or certificate, or to improve your job skills.
FINANCING OPTIONS • Coverdell Education Accounts • Taxpayers can contribute up to $2000 annually for each beneficiary. • IRA Withdrawal • People under the age of 59 ½ can withdraw money for higher education expenses from a regular IRA or Roth IRA without paying a penalty
OTHER FINANCING OPTIONS • Working while in school. • Use existing savings. • Transferring to 4-year school. • Loan Forgiveness programs. • Tuition reimbursement. • AmeriCorps. • Military service.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW! • Push Yourself Academically. • Explore Your Interests. • Become a Researcher. • Get Organized. • Save.
CONTACT INFORMATION NELA Center for Student Success 206.461.5366 onlinecenter@nela.net