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For most students planning to attend college or career school, financial aid is essential. Walk through the steps of how financial aid works, resources to pay for college, and loan repayment options. You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by your college’s priority deadline. The FAFSA is the official document used by all colleges and universities to determine a student’s eligibility for all federal, state and institutional financial aid.
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STEP 1
Start Planning Early
Plan how to pay for college before you start. Ask school counselors and the college financial aid office about state, college, and nonprofit grants and scholarships you can apply for. Be sure to meet application deadlines. Start saving before you get to college. Consider prepaid tuition and education savings (529) plans.
STEP 2
Fill Out the FAFSA® Form
Before each year of college, apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Your college uses your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid. After submission, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report.
STEP 3
Review Your Aid Offer
Your aid offer explains the types and amounts of aid a college is offering you, and your expected costs for the year. If you’ve been accepted to multiple colleges, compare the costs and aid offers. Accept the aid from the school that's best for you and inform them of other sources of aid (such as scholarships) you expect to receive.
STEP 4
Get Your Aid
Time to go to school! Your financial aid office will apply your aid to the amount you owe your school and send you the remaining balance to spend on other college costs. One of the requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility is that you must make satisfactory academic progress. And don’t forget to complete a FAFSA® form each year!
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Dr. Monica S. Womack, Director, Articulated Pathways
Kelley Rasberry, Manager, Higher Education Partnerships
Katie Lovera, Coordinator, College Credit Plus
Lois Carson, Secretary
Higher Education Partnerships
100 Arcadia Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43202
614.365.8600 | 614.365.5027 (fax)Email our team at: HigherEdPartnerships@columbus.k12.oh.us
