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Stand up to the three Cs
Thousands of people like you come face to face every year with the dreaded three Cs — covering college costs. Margaret Rodriguez, associate director of Financial Aid at the University of Michigan, says don’t get discouraged. Get help.
"Most people are surprised to learn that no one at any income level is excluded from receiving some form of financial aid," says Rodriguez. "There are many resources that a financial aid office at any educational institution can suggest.
Student loans, federal grants, and institutional scholarships are the first funding sources that come to mind. But what about college work study, state tuition grants, employer reimbursement, and college-specific scholarship programs?
"I encourage anyone to call a financial aid office if they’re confused, intimidated, or feel that tracking down the right source for help is not worth the effort," says Rodriguez. "In Michigan we’re fortunate to have state monies available for students. To learn more about it call toll free, 1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687)."
Shop around for sources While the financial aid office is your best source for information, it’s not the only place to go. Stop by the student affairs or student activities office at your college or university and ask to be put in touch with others who have met the financing dilemma now facing you.
"Peer counselors or mentors can point out the pitfalls," says Rodriguez. "They can also help newcomers break into the process. Another great source for information on applying and filing for financial aid is the library—high school, community, and college libraries."
Information also is available on the Internet. "People can request
information from those resource sites or from a college Web site," says
Rodriguez. "For four years we have provided an e-mail address just for
financial aid questions.
What’s nice about this is that contact isn’t limited to the hours of operation. We respond to e-mail usually within one business day."
Think you’ve missed the deadline? While there optimum times in the year to submit financial aid forms, Margaret Rodriguez wants people to know that there’s no bad time to apply.
"If you feel you’re getting a late start, don’t give up," says Rodriguez. "Most of the federal financial aid programs are entitlement programs; this means that applicants are entitled to the funds if they can demonstrate financial need. They may even be eligible for aid after the semester has started. So don’t give up."
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File your form electronically at OCC Are you worried about your federal financial aid application making it to the right office on time? The Oakland Community College Financial Aid Office suggests that you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically. OCC Financial Aid staff can answer any questions about the application and check it over before you send it in. You can use one of the computers in the campus libraries if you don't have one at home. If you want our help, be sure to bring in your financial data, such as your adjusted gross income for the year and/or your parent's tax forms if you're living at home or are classified by the federal government as a dependent student. "We want people to know that filing electronically will save processing time", says Wilma B. Porter, OCC's Director of Financial Assistance and Scholarships. "You can access the FAFSA web site online, or pick up a FAFSA form by stopping by any OCC Campus Financial Aid Office. We also have a useful brochure on completing your FAFSA online which we can mail to you," Porter adds. Reach the government web site directly at www.fafsa.ed.gov if you prefer to complete the form in the convenience of your own home. To be on the safe side, make sure to run your application past a financial aid professional before filing. |
There’s more than one source for help
Don't limit your search for financial help to traditional loans and scholarships. There are other types of financial aid that fall under five broad categories: Federal and State Government Aid, College-Controlled Aid, Student Profile-Based Aid, Aid for Graduate and Professional School, and Aid for Specific Activities.
Federal and State Government Aid U.S. Federal Government Aid http://smart1.finaid.org/otheraid/federal.phtml
You'll find pointers on a variety of financial aid resources offered by the federal government.
U.S. State Government Aid http://smart1.finaid.org/otheraid/state.phtml
Each state has a different FAFSA submission deadline. The amount of information provided on the state Web sites varies from state to state.
U.S. Government information and services http://students.gov
Student gateway to U.S. government information and educational services across campuses and around the world. Excellent web site for all types of educational related information.
State of Michigan aid Financial aid information and services provided by the state of Michigan for students at all levels.
Financial Aid resources and assistance http://finaid.org
The Smart StudentTM Guide to Financial Aid
Prepaid Tuition Plans http://smart1.finaid.org/otheraid/prepaid.phtml
Prepaid tuition plans are a useful way for families to save for their children's education. These plans let parents lock in future tuition rates at current prices.
National Service http://smart1.finaid.org/otheraid/service.phtml
Highlighted here are the National Service Scholarship Program, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and Senior Corps.
Military Aid http://smart1.finaid.org/military/
Find out about financial aid for military veterans and their dependents as well as students interested in pursuing careers in the military.
Tax Credit http://smart1.finaid.org/otheraid/tax.phtml
What are the HOPE Scholarship Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit?
College-Controlled Aid School Financial Aid Office Web Sites http://smart1.finaid.org/otheraid/fao.phtml
Go right to the source. Visit the financial aid office of the college you want to attend.
School-Specific Scholarships and Fellowships http://smart1.finaid.org/otheraid/school.phtml
This list provides scholarship and fellowship information that is available at a limited number of schools, such as college-controlled merit scholarships.
Student Profile-Based Aid Disabled Students http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtm
Students with disabilities will appreciate this site.
Female Students http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/female.phtml
Find out more about scholarships, grants, and other awards intended specifically for women.
Minority Students http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/minority.phtml
Visit this site if you want to learn more about scholarships and fellowships for minorities.
Older Students http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/older.phtml
If you haven't been in school for a while but want to return, here are a few ideas for you.
Jewish Students http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/jewish.phtml
This site will link you to the Hillel Foundation.
Gay and Lesbian Students http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/gay.phtml
Learn more about national, regional, and school-specific scholarships for gay and lesbian students.
Aid for Graduate and Professional School Graduate School http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/grad.phtml
Get some tips for funding a postgraduate education.
Medical School http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/medical.phtml
Is medical school in your future? If so, stop by this site for some financing suggestions.
Private Elementary and Secondary Schools http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/privateschool.phtml
Learn about loans for parents of children attending private elementary or secondary school.
Aid for Specific Activities Contests http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/contests.phtml
Link to five sites with information on contests and competitions that lead to scholarships.
Domestic Exchange and Study Abroad Programs
l Get information on loans, scholarships, grants and tuition-reduction options available for studying abroad or for participating in domestic exchange programs.
Grants http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/grants.phtml
Many private foundations provide scholarships for students. Visit this site to learn about a few of them.
Sports/Athletic Aid http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/sports.phtml
Athletic scholarships are one option to financing an education. Learn more about opportunities and restrictions.
Specific Majors or Courses of Study http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/majors.phtml
On this page you'll find databases as well as individual scholarships and awards, which assist students pursuing specific majors or courses of study.