Financial Aid for College
How do I pay for college? How do I get scholarships? These questions are some of the most frequently asked by prospective college students. Below you will find general information about paying for college. Please remember that we encourage students to apply to colleges without regard to cost of tuition; however, students and parents are encouraged to use their financial aid award packages for individual schools to help determine which college to attend.
How do I obtain Financial Aid?
Many scholarships are awarded to students based on their "merit." These scholarships are generally given on the basis of the student's GPA, performance on standardized tests, and the rigor of the student's schedule. Other scholarships may be awarded based on a specific trait or skill, i.e. athletic scholarships, scholarships awarded for community service, or financial benefits to the dependent of a military veteran.
We hear over and over again that there is a lot of money available to help students attend college. This is mostly true, but students must advocate for themselves. It takes some work on the student's part to research what aid is available to them and then complete applications on time. While this sounds simple, many times we see a small handful of students awarded a lot of scholarships and gift aid (see below) simply because they were persistent and completed more applications than others.
Scholarship applications, just like college applications, should be completed by the student. While parents are encouraged to help their children find scholarships, students need to complete the applications so that information submitted is an accurate reflection of the student.
There are multiple avenues for students to obtain financial assistance for college, but most will require students to complete applications and meet deadlines to be eligible for aid. Some aid will be determined automatically by college financial aid offices based on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), while other institutional aid will require supplemental applications.
We hear over and over again that there is a lot of money available to help students attend college. This is mostly true, but students must advocate for themselves. It takes some work on the student's part to research what aid is available to them and then complete applications on time. While this sounds simple, many times we see a small handful of students awarded a lot of scholarships and gift aid (see below) simply because they were persistent and completed more applications than others.
Scholarship applications, just like college applications, should be completed by the student. While parents are encouraged to help their children find scholarships, students need to complete the applications so that information submitted is an accurate reflection of the student.
There are multiple avenues for students to obtain financial assistance for college, but most will require students to complete applications and meet deadlines to be eligible for aid. Some aid will be determined automatically by college financial aid offices based on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), while other institutional aid will require supplemental applications.
Different Types of Financial Aid: Gift & Self-Help
Gift Aid
Gift aid is money a student does not pay back ("free money")
Self-Help Aid
Self-help aid is financial aid offered to students that students must then earn or pay back.
Gift aid is money a student does not pay back ("free money")
- Grants
- Most grants are need-based and directly related to a students Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by their FAFSA. Some colleges may offer additional grants to students who demonstrate additional financial need.
- Be sure to check with your college's financial aid office about the financial aid available to students at specific schools. - Scholarships
- Scholarships can come from a variety of sources: churches, community
organizations, colleges, state agencies, etc.
- Most scholarships require that applicants meet specific eligibility criteria.
- ESHS counselors will advertise many scholarships throughout the school year along with instructions on how to apply.
- Students should check with the colleges they are applying to for institutional scholarships to determine availability and application process.
See the FHS Scholarships Page and SHS Scholarships Page for more information.
Self-Help Aid
Self-help aid is financial aid offered to students that students must then earn or pay back.
- Work Study
- Work study is an opportunity for students to work on campus to earn money to help pay for their college education.
- Work study is often awarded based on financial need. - Student Loans
- Loans are often offered to students and parents to help pay for college expenses.
- Loans are not required, and there have been many new stories lately about increasing college debt.
- Students should research their loan options carefully, only borrowing as much as needed.
FAFSA
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and all seniors should complete the FAFSA with their parents in fall semester of their senior year. The application is available after October 1st.
Parents and their students can use the FAFSA4caster to see how much aid they may qualify for from the federal government.
Click HERE for the FAFSA website.
Parents and their students can use the FAFSA4caster to see how much aid they may qualify for from the federal government.
Click HERE for the FAFSA website.
Financial Aid Links
CFNC.org. (Search for grants and scholarships for NC Students)
Federal Student Aid Website
Student Loan Website
FAFSA website
FAFSA4Caster: (Estimate eligibility for federal student aid)
Federal Student Aid Website
Student Loan Website
FAFSA website
FAFSA4Caster: (Estimate eligibility for federal student aid)