Yes, You Can Afford to Go to College!

Some students never realize their college dreams because paying for college tuition seems impossible. The reality is that there are several financial resources available to help students.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID?

Financial aid is monetary assistance that helps you pay for college. There are four basic types of financial aid that come from the state and federal governments as well as private sources.

Grants: Both state and federal grants are awarded to eligible students. This type of financial aid does not have to be repaid.

Loans: Loans can be applied for from several federally sponsored loan programs. These are usually repaid after a student has graduated from college.

Scholarships: Any student can apply for individual scholarships. Like grants, these do not have to be repaid.

Student Employment: Students may qualify for work-study programs where they can work in certain on- or off-campus jobs to help pay for school.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Students can apply for grants, loans and work-study by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available at your local high school or college or online.

Students from California should also fill out the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to be considered for state aid. This form should be available at the student's school or online.

Many private colleges are also asking for a CSS/Financial Aid Profile Form.

USEFUL SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH WEB SITES:

AB 540 students
Careers and Colleges.com
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Fastweb
Gates Millennium Scholars
Go College
Golden State Minority Foundation
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Latino College Dollars
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
MSN Money
National Association of College Admission Counseling
Scholarship Resource Network Express
Scholarships.com
Scholarsite.com
StudentJobs.gov
United Negro College Fund