The Procrastinator’s Guide to Financial Aid

When it comes to financial aid, late is often too late. Funds for next year are already allotted, and your school simply has nothing more to give. But don’t give up until you consider these options:

Step 1: Check out your school’s Web site.
Many sites provide information about the school’s late applicant policies, additional suggestions for late applicants and links to alternate funding sources, such as loan companies and scholarship organizations.

Step 2: Make an appointment to talk to your school’s financial aid office.
Try to demonstrate special need, special circumstances or special abilities. Build a case for yourself – provide any information that will indicate that you deserve special consideration.

Types of Aid: Dollars for College

With college costs rising, most students need help paying for higher education. And most will rely on more than one source to cover costs. Learn how to put together the pieces of your financial aid package.

Grants and scholarships:
This is free money that doesn’t have to be repaid.
Grants are awards based on financial need or funds distributed to support a specific project (e.g. research grants). Federally-sponsored grants include the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Both are based solely on financial need. To apply for federally sponsored grants, fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon after January 1 as possible. To learn more about federal aid, consult the U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA Web site: fafsa.ed.gov.

The Procrastinator’s Guide to Financial AidThe Procrastinator’s Guide to Financial Aid

When it comes to financial aid, late is often too late. Funds for next year are already allotted, and your school simply has nothing more to give. But don’t give up until you consider these options:

Step 1: Check out your school’s Web site.

Many sites provide information about the school’s late applicant policies, additional suggestions for late applicants and links to alternate funding sources, such as loan companies and scholarship organizations.

Step 2: Make an appointment to talk to your school’s financial aid office.

Try to demonstrate special need, special circumstances or special abilities. Build a case for yourself – provide any information that will indicate that you deserve special consideration.