Financial Aid
Financial Aid
There are three ways of paying for college: merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and student loans or grants. Merit-based scholarships are based on academics, artistic, athletic, and/or leadership. Need-based aid is based on your demonstration of financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov, utilizing tax forms, which may qualify you for low interest Government Loans, Grants, and Student Work Study program.
YOU must take the initiative in starting your scholarship search. You will be completing lengthy forms, composing essays, and requesting letters of recommendation. Scholarships are available throughout the school year; however, there are fewer scholarships offered in the spring.
Where do you start? Call or email the colleges for financial aid information. Perhaps the best place to start looking for scholarships is the financial aid office of the colleges you are planning to attend. Many students find the majority of their scholarship money comes from the colleges themselves. Utilize the computer to conduct scholarship searches, to write your essays, and to request information from colleges. Contact the colleges of your choice via their websites.
The Deer Valley Unified School District has compiled scholarships that you can search at this link: DVUSD Scholarship List
Individual appointments with your counselor can help you with Scholarship Searches and help clarify information and planning (although students will have to do the heavy lifting of finding and apply to scholarships which does take dedication and time).
Attend evening events for parents and students designed to provide families with financial aid information-on and off campus. SDOHS will hold a FAFSA night in October each year (FAFSA application opens each October 1st).
Guide to Paying for College – Financial Aid, Scholarships, Savings, & Student Loans
FAFSA APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 1ST EACH YEAR! START HERE: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
For 24/7 help with FAFSA, visit: https://www.askbenji.org/