Paying for College-Financial Aid
Financing your college education will be the most rewarding
investment you will make in your lifetime - one that requires
informed and careful consideration of various financial aid options.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is any type of assistance ($$) based on financial
need used to pay college costs. You can get information on
Federal Student Financial Aid at http://studentaid.ed.gov/.
Most financial aid comes in three forms:
Grants: Also called gift aid, grants don’t have to be repaid, and you don’t need to work to earn them. Grant aid comes from federal and state governments and from individual colleges. The most familiar grant is the Pell Grant.
Loans: Financial aid that comes in the form of loans must be repaid. Most need-based loans are low-interest loans sponsored by the federal government. These loans are subsidized by the government which means no interest accrues until you begin repayment after graduation.
Work Study: Student employment or work-study aid helps pay for education costs like books, supplies, and personal expenses. Work-study is a federal program that provides part-time employment on a college campus to help meet financial needs.
Many students finance their college education through a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans. It is a good idea to have a basic understanding of each. It is highly recommended that you use any financial aid that you receive only to pay for necessary educational expenses.
As college costs continue to rise, figuring out how you and your family will finance
your education may seem pretty overwhelming. The good news is that there is an
estimated $250 billion in available financial aid. Knowing what’s available and how to
tap into it will make your planning a lot easier.
How do I apply for Financial Aid? www.fafsa.gov
Most financial aid is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application becomes available in October of your senior year.
It must be completed each year to determine financial status and award. Families can
access a worksheet to help gather the financial information necessary to complete
the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.
Each FAFSA is examined by a federal processor and the results are sent by computer
to the financial aid offices of the colleges you’ve chosen. The FAFSA is the application most
colleges use to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs.
Eligibility
Nearly every student is eligible for some form of financial aid, including low-interest Federal Stafford and/or parent PLUS loans, regardless of income or circumstances, provided that you:
• Are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Are registered with the U.S. Selective Service (if you are a male ages 18 to 25)
• Complete a FAFSA promising to use any federal aid for educational purposes
• Do not owe refunds on any federal student grants
• Are not in default on any student loans
• Have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs during a period when you received Federal student aid
Applying for Aid - FAFSA Is the First Step!
To be considered for federal financial aid, you must submit a completed FAFSA on time. Additionally, most states, colleges and universities use the FAFSA to award other types of aid, including state-and-college-sponsored financial aid such as grants, loans, and work-study programs. Besides the FAFSA, some states and colleges require that you file other applications for aid. Check with your college’s financial aid administrator for any state or college-specific requirements.
Deadlines Pay attention to all deadlines. Federal aid is limited and much of it is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you file the better your chances of accessing the most financial aid possible.
Many states, colleges, and universities have filing deadlines as early as the first weeks in January. Pay close attention to how colleges word their deadline instructions. Some refer to the date by which your FAFSA must be submitted – the Transaction Receipt Date – while others refer to the date your completed aid application must be sent by the federal processor to a college’s financial aid office. Missing deadlines can ruin your opportunity for financial aid. You should check with your colleges’ financial aid administrators to learn each college’s exact FAFSA deadline.
Paying for College-Scholarships
Where to start?
Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships usually refer to cash or tuition waiver awards based on academic merit, talents and abilities, community service, and more. The place to start a scholarship search is with the college or university’s website. Each college typically offers the following types of scholarships:
• Merit (ACT/GPA)
• Departmental
• Leadership
• Diversity
• Talent (athletic/dance/music/art)
• Need based
Many colleges have alumni-sponsored scholarships and other miscellaneous scholarships. For a complete listing of the scholarships for each college check out their websites. Most colleges have separate links to their own financial aid and/or scholarship information.
Your best tool is the Internet!
Finding a scholarship match for your accomplishments, interests, special needs, talents, etc. is time consuming and ongoing through the year. Use the Internet tools identified by your school counselor. After you FIND scholarships that fit your circumstances, APPLY! Watch Deadlines.
• Fastweb.com
• Tuitionfundingsources.com
• AIE.org
• Weeklyscholrshipalert.com
• Scholarships.com
• Students.gov
• Scholarships101.com
Where else do I look?
Your high school’s website also has information about scholarships. Some high schools have specific scholarships just for their students. Check in the counseling or career center of your high school for more information. Students also find scholarships locally. Consider the following sources:
• Clubs
• Businesses
• Employers
• Civic Groups
• State Groups
• Professional Organizations
• Ethnic Groups
• Private Charities
• Private Foundations
• Banks
• Credit Unions
• Religious Organizations
Beware of scams!
Not all scholarship and financial aid tools are legitimate. There are a few organizations out there that will ask you for money and promise you all kinds of scholarships and money for college. Don’t trust them at all. Any information you need about scholarships and financial aid is FREE! You don’t need to pay for anything more than a postage stamp and that is rare because most scholarship and financial aid applications are completed online.
Centennial Scholarship for Early Graduation www.schools.utah.gov/CURR/earlycollege/Scholarships/Centennial.aspx Tuition waiver for instate schools Student meets graduation requirements before the end of their senior year.
New Century Scholarship
www.newcenturyscholarship.org Tuition waiver for instate schools Student completes an associate’s degree (approximately 60 credit hours) by their high school graduation date.
Regents’ Scholarship
www.regentsscholarship.org Tuition waiver for in-state schools Student must complete the Utah Scholars Curriculum as determined by the Utah State Board of Regents. Student must fulfill all components, apply, and graduate on time in order to qualify.
T.H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan Program
www.schools.utah.gov/cert/Loans-and-Scholarships.aspx Tuition waiver for in-state colleges based on GPA, ACT or SAT scores, ethnicity, intended teaching field, teaching related experience, and an explanatory paragraph. Students must agree and complete the following criteria: complete an educator preparation program; obtain an educator license; and, teach in a Utah public school for a period equal to the time the student received assistance.
Utah Educational Savings Plan
www.uesp.org The Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) is Utah’s official nonprofit 529 college savings program. Thousands are saving for future higher education expenses with UESP www.uesp.org. You save what you can, when you can. It’s free to open a UESP account, and no minimum contributions are required. Families can save a little or a lot according to their own schedules. You enjoy tax benefits. Earnings on investments in UESP accounts grow tax deferred from federal and Utah state income taxes. That means you could save more with UESP than with a taxable investment.
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Preparing for College?
ü Attend Senior College Application Night, Monday, November 7th: See back of this pamphlet for details
ü Attend FAFSA Completion Night: October 17th
ü Attend Post High School Day: October 28th 1-3 periods @ BEHS
ü Check the Scholarship Board inside the counseling office or online: www.behs.besd.net. Click on Counseling, then Scholarships
ü Check other bulletin boards for posters and ads
ü Listen to announcements
ü Take the ACT/SAT exam (repeat to raise your score)
ü Keep your senior class schedule rigorous
ü You are able to take excused absences to tour the campus of your choice to make sure that it is a good fit for you (ask about housing, financial aid, specific majors, social life, extra-curricular opportunities, job outlooks for majors, and meet your specific academic advisor). Forms are available in the counseling office.
ü Apply for Admissions in the Fall. Online forms are preferred (links to websites can be found on our school website)
ü Begin looking for scholarships early in the senior year
ü Sharpen and hone your study habits while in high school (the habits you have now will follow you to college)
ü Submit your FAFSA form for federal financial aid (should be done in January - March of this school year)
ü Graduate from high school
Resources
¨ University and College Websites: Each university and college has a catalog and most have a web page. These resources are very valuable to prospective students when gathering information to make life decisions.
¨ Meet with your Counselor for additional resources.
__________________________________________
$Scholarships$
Watch the deadlines! Many academic scholarship priority deadlines are December 1st but Utah State University and University of Utah have a FINAL deadline of December 1st. Departmental and other private scholarships may have other deadlines.
SPECIAL HINTS:
v Begin searching right now. Don’t wait!
v The Internet is your best resource. Pick up a list of sites from your Counselor
v Prepare your resumé now. Get all information together in one place.
v Throw your modesty out the window when filling out applications -- Highlight your strengths.
v Check the scholarship board every week.
Sign up for important updates from BEHS Counseling.
Get information for Box Elder High School right on your phone—not on handouts.
Pick a way to receive messages for Class of 2017:
A If you have a smartphone, get push notifications.
On your iPhone or Android phone, open your web browser and go to the following link:
rmd.at/7f7k8
Follow the instructions to sign up for Remind. You’ll be prompted to download the mobile app.
rmd.at/7f7k8
Join Class of 2017
Full Name
First and Last Name
Phone Number or Email Address
(555) 555-5555
B If you don’t have a smartphone, get text notifications.
Text the message @7f7k8 to the number 81010.
If you’re having trouble with 81010, try texting @7f7k8 to (435) 772-9000.
To 81010
Message @7f7k8
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Senior Year and BEYOND! College= 1, 2, 4 or more!
Post High School Training Options
1 year 2 year 4 or more
Industry Industry Bachelor’s Degree
Certifications Certifications
Apprenticeships Apprenticeships Master’s Degree
Military Associate’s Degree Professional or
Doctoral Degree
Military: College
ROTC/Academies
High School Options Overview
Career Now College Ready
Ready for work after H.S. College Prep
H.S. Pathway competition AP Classes
BEHS Internships Concurrent Enrollment
Industry Certifications Early College on Campus
through BATC Programs (USU and WSU)
Apprenticeships
Paying for College
Make a financial plan with your parents
Earn and save money
CONTINUALLY search for scholarships and apply (Scholarships should NOT be your primary source of funding).
Contribute to Utah College Savings Program (if you have been enrolled)
Senior Year
Meet graduation requirements
Keep senior year rigorous
Keep grades up
Continue to take classes preparing you for your post high school goals
ð Register for senior year classes based on your four year plan and Career Now/College Ready guidance
September
ð Re-take ACT? Y N Date of next test_________ Register by _______ www.actstudent.org
(October of your senior year is usually the last test date that can be submitted for December 1st scholarship deadline)
Search out Post High Training Options
o
Regents Scholarship Base Award/Exemplary Award
You must go online and follow the instructions to ensure you are eligible for this scholarship and to make sure that you meet all deadlines. Application opens in Nov. Priority deadline is in December.
1 Year certificate, 2 year Certificate/Degree, 4 or More Degree ____________________________
Visit with your Counselor
Order Cap and Gown
October
ð Narrow down college choices
o College Navigator: nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
o Stepuputah.com
o Campus Tours (use Fall break!)
ð Consider taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test
If you are interested in military service OR want career guidance.
October
ð FAFSA form filled out
Need help? Come to FAFSA night: October 17, 2016
November
ð Apply to 2-3 of your choices by Priority Deadline of December 1st. Please note: For many colleges this is also a final deadline!
ð Remember to check the status of your college applications from time to time. You should hear back. If not, there may be a problem with your application.
December **REMEMBER December 1st deadlines!
Prepare or update your resume.
January
ð Apply for BATC and CTE Scholarships
ð Check status of college applications. You should hear back. If not, there may be a problem with your application.
February
ð Formally accept scholarships in writing before deadlines
ð Search for housing (if applicable)
March
ð Finalize your financial plan for college
ð Once admitted to a college, set up a university account (i.e. “A Account” “Wildcat Account” etc.)
April
ð Begin finalizing plans of where to attend
ð Register for your college orientation program. Most colleges hold these PRIOR to registration. This is also required for Regents Scholarship recipients.
May
ð Transfer any concurrent enrollment credits to college of choice
ð GRADUATE!
BEYOND
After Graduation
ð Begin learning about and deciding upon classes to register for. Many institutions will have registration during the summer for the Fall semester. Take advantage of any help with registration that your college may offer.
First Year of Post High School
Where are you going?
Where will you live?
Financial Plan
Transportation Plan
Continually Update your resume
Second Year Post High School
Update and revise financial plan
Secure housing
Update and revise transportation
Update your resume
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DEADLY DEADLINES FOR SENIORS
Northridge Learning Center: All course work completed and turned in by May 12.
BYU Independent Study: All course work and final exams submitted on or before May 5.
Credit Recovery Program: Last chance to register is April 26. All course work completed by May 12.
Night School: Last chance to register is April 26. All course work completed by May 12.
Electronic High School: Seniors must complete course work by April 14 and proctored exams by May 1. (EHS will be closed permanently on May 30)
Outside Credit Due May 19, 2017!!!
Graduation: May 25, 2017, 3:00 pm
Weber State University
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Scholarship Searches
(Most are free, some may not be)
It is recommended that students searching for financial aid and scholarships visit the financial aid website of the colleges and universities they are interested in attending. Hot links to all Utah schools can be found on the Counseling page of the BEHS website. Local scholarships are also listed on the counseling page under scholarships:
Box Elder High: http://www.behs.besd.net
Scholarship Search Engines
FastWeb: http://www.fastweb.com
UtFutures: www.scholarshipcentsibly.org
GoodCall: www.goodcall.com/scholarships/
Scholarships.com: http://www.scholarships.com
Chegg: http://www.chegg.com
Never underestimate the power of a Google/Bing search. Search a unique feature that describes you.
Career Guidance Helps
There are other resources to help with choosing a career, which school to attend, financial aid calculators, and scholarship information:
www.utahfutures.org create your own account
www.StepupUtah.com paying for College scholarship toolkit ways to pay for college
Remember, your counselor would love to help you. Make an appointment with them today!
Scholarship Checklist:
· Identify and make a list of your strengths and accomplishments
· Figure out what kind of scholarship you want to look for: academic merit, diversity, leadership, musical or artistic talent, athletic, service, etc.
· Institutional Scholarships: See what your top choice colleges offer for scholarships. Colleges and universities have many different scholarships to award to their students there are different scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer students, nontraditional students, and more.
· Private Scholarships: Start with a Google keyword search for your strengths interests and talents. Try these combinations, and do as many combinations as you can:
o “scholarship + your talent”
(Example: “scholarship + theater arts”)
o “Scholarship + your talent + college you’re interested in”
(Example: “scholarship + video games + your college”)
Finding Scholarships:
~The best place to begin your search for scholarships is with the college(s) you plan to attend. Check its financial aid website for more information.
~Use the UtahFutures.org Scholarship Search to find scholarships.
~The BEHS website and Beeline Newsletter post updated private scholarship listings regularly. There are also many scholarship search websites available.
~Be Patient and Persistent- it takes time and effort to sort through scholarship opportunities.
~Once you have found applicable scholarships, apply for them as soon as possible.
~Some scholarships may require you to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so be sure to complete it.
~Beware of scholarship scams~ never, pay a fee to apply for scholarships.
~Websites like ScholarshipHelp.org are great resources for help
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Scholarships are competitive. You need to get out there and find them. Each year we have students and parents wait until school is almost out before they ask about scholarships. The time is now to begin getting scholarships. The internet has made it much easier to find them; but you still need to put the time in if you expect to obtain money from someone else to pay for your education. Meet with your Counselor for help and guidance in finding scholarships. Anybody you know is a scholarship resource. Ask Them! There are public donors and private donors when it comes to scholarships. Leave no stone unturned.
Counseling Services
