Many U.S. colleges and universities offer financial aid programs to both U.S. students and non-U.S. students. Financial aid can be granted through the Federal government or by the college.
U.S. students applying to U.S. Colleges should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form and submit it as soon as possible after January 1 ST . Another form which can be used is the PROFILE which is a form put out by the College Board and is used by many colleges and universities to award their own private funds. The PROFILE can be submitted electronically and can be submitted as early as mid-September.
Non-U.S. students should be aware that although there are some financial aid programs for international students, the main responsibility of the cost of college rests with the student. Financial aid forms for international students are available in the counselor's office.
The information a student provides on a financial aid form is used in a formula, which was established by the U.S. Congress, to determine financial need.
Cost of College Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need
Visit the College Board website and the FAFSA websites for more detailed information.
You may also visit the guidance office to check out the reference material on Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Financial Aid Form Tip: Always check out the deadlines and application requirements. Deadlines for colleges may differ from federal deadlines and may require additional documents.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
College Board's Financial Information Page - www.collegboard.org/pay/index.html
This site offers a glossary of financial aid terms and information on how you can compute EFC (Expected Family Contribution) which is the amount that you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education.
College Search Service PROFILE Online - www.collegeboard.org/profile
This site allows a student to register and apply for the profile form.
Embark Scholarship Search - www.embark.com/nafsa/Financial.asp
This site offers information on loans, internships and financial aid programs
FAFSA Online - studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa
This site allows you to file a free application for federal student aid online.
Fast Web - www.fastweb.com
This site offers information on over 275,000 scholarships, fellowships, loans, grants and internships.
Fin Aid - www.finaid.org
This site offers comprehensive financial aid/scholarship information.
College Scholarships - www.college-scholarships.com
This site offers a comprehensive website with numerous links to sources of financial aid information.
International Student - www.internationalstudent.com
Scholarship Scams - www.ftc.gov
Scholarship America - www.scholarshipamerica.org
This site provides information about scholarship scams and how to avoid them.