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Preparing for College - Different Steps to Paying for College

For parents, students, and school officials, the need to prepare for the expenses associated with going to college are often difficult to understand. From the experience of others as well as experts in the area, the following guided "tour" steps are offered.

Ten Steps to Paying for School:

  1. Find out as much as you can about schools that interest you. Request information on the costs of attendance, and try to calculate your school and living expenses.
  2. Discuss options for paying for school. Also, talk to your high school counselor about applying for local or private scholarships.
  3. Request information and forms on financial aid, and complete admission applications.
  4. Apply for financial aid. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will help determine your need for financial aid. You can get the form from your high school counselor or a financial aid office of a school you are considering attending.
  5. Complete any other aid or admission forms required by the school.
  6. Receive the Student Aid Report (SAR). This will summarize the information you completed on your FAFSA, and will include your Estimated Family Contribution. Review the SAR to make sure it is correct, and send it to the financial aid offices of the schools you are considering enrolling in.
  7. Receive your award letter. The letter, which comes from the school's financial aid office, will let you know what kind of financial aid, and how much, you qualify for.
  8. Consider the financial options outlined in the award letter. These options may include: grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
  9. Accept or reject all or part of the award package, and complete any other forms required by the school.
  10. Reapply for financial aid each year you are in college or postsecondary training. If you filled out a FAFSA the year before, you will probably be eligible to complete the shorter Renewal FAFSA.

See the Commission's Financial Aid page for additional resources.

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