Financial Aid
Everyone should apply for financial aid! Financial aid offsets the cost of college. Typically students/families need to apply for financial aid at three levels: Federal, State and Institutional. No one should assume they will not qualify for aid. Watch the video linked to the right or read below for more information about each of these levels of aid.
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Click the button to access
an interactive presentation about financial aid. Presentation Access Code: CUTSZ |
Federal Student Aid (a.k.a. "FAFSA")
Federal student aid is money that students can use to help pay for college. It covers such expenses as books and supplies, tuition and fees, room and board, and transportation. There are four main types of federal aid: grants, work-study, scholarships, and loans. Click here for a great resource to guide you through the Federal Student Aid application process.
Who gets it?Everyone should apply for federal student aid regardless of income.
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How to apply?Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
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When to apply?FAFSA forms are available on October 1 of each school year. Students should apply as soon as possible senior year.
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State Financial Aid
(a.k.a. "Florida Financial Aid", "Bright Futures", "FFAA")
State student aid is money that students can use to help pay for college. It covers such expenses as books and supplies, tuition and fees, room and board, and transportation. There are many grants and scholarships available, but Bright Futures and First Generation Grant are the most common.
Who gets it?Bright Futures requirements can be found here. Everyone should apply for Florida financial aid
regardless of income, GPA, or test scores. Student records are reviewed for initial eligibility in February. Then, reviewed for updates in June and August. |
How to apply?Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPHome/SAPHome?url=home
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When to apply?The Florida financial aid application is available October 1 each school year. Students should apply as so. Helpful hints guide to completing this application can be found here.
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Application Guide
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For more information
about eligibility for the Bright Futures scholarship, click here: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/PDF/BFEligibilityAwardChart.pdf
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf
about eligibility for the Bright Futures scholarship, click here: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/PDF/BFEligibilityAwardChart.pdf
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf
Institutional Financial Aid
Institutional (college/university) student aid is money that students can use to help pay for college. It covers expenses such as books and supplies, tuition and fees, room and board, and transportation. Colleges or universities may require a separate application for this aid, and will not award this aid unless the FAFSA and/or Bright Futures applications have been completed.
Who gets it?Students should talk to the colleges financial aid office to determine what the qualifications are for their financial aid.
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How to apply?Colleges usually have a separate application process for financial aid. Check the school's website to determine how you should apply for financial aid.
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When to apply?Financial aid deadlines vary from school to school but keep checking the school's website, and apply as soon as possible.
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Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded by private institutions or donors, and therefore have their own eligibility criteria and award guidelines. Scholarships can be used for tuition, books, living expenses or other college related items based on the awarding agency's rules.
Who gets it?There are many different scholarships are available for many different students.
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How to apply?NEVER pay for scholarship searches! Check out our Current Scholarships page to review scholarships you may be eligible for or use one of the free internet search engines for scholarship matches.
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When to apply?Start thinking about and applying for scholarships in ninth grade! Some scholarships are even open to students in middle school. If you qualify, apply!
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