Financial aid might come from four different sources:

1. Government
There are both Federal and State programs for granting financial aid. There are grants, loans, and scholarships available, but there is some paperwork you will have to fill out in order to receive any of this money. You must start by filling out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

2. Your College
Most scholarship money will come from the college that you are going to attend. Be sure that you are filing the financial aid applications that the college requires from you. All colleges will ask you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some schools will also ask you to fill out the CSS/ Financial Aid Profile (FAP) or their own financial aid application. The money that will make up your financial aid package from your school may come from scholarships, loans, work-study jobs, academic scholarships (not need-based), and athletic scholarships (not need-based).

3. National Agency or Program
Private industry and foundations offer grants and scholarships that can be used at any college or university you choose to attend. These monies are usually earned on a basis of merit or merit and financial need. As you can imagine, these scholarships are sometimes difficult to find, involve some research and are very competitive.

4. Local Scholarships
There are thousands of small scholarships, $100, $500, or even $1,000. It may not seem like much, but every little bit counts. Keep checking in the school counseling office. You can also search on the Internet; there are plenty of websites which can lead you to scholarship money. Do not forget to check with local clubs, churches, organizations, industry, unions, etc. (especially if your family belongs)


College Aid Awareness Network - If you need help filling out financial aid applications or would like to find out about different scholarships you may qualify for visit this site, which provides answers to many questions you may have about financial aid.