Financial aid can help you pay for tuition, books and supplies, and living expenses. These steps will walk you through the process. PAYING FOR COLLEGE
LEARN THE TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
CREATE AN ACCOUNT To begin the process of applying for financial aid, you must create an account (FSA ID) at studentaid.gov . The Social Security Administration must verify your FSA ID (allow 3 days) before you can complete the FAFSA. COMPLETE THE FAFSA The FAFSA is your application for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Complete the form at studentaid.gov by the college’s priority date. • T he colleges you list on the form will use your FAFSA information (your income, assets, and family size) to award financial aid. • After you submit your FAFSA, expect an email from Federal Student Aid that confirms your form was processed. It will also indicate if further action is required. • Complete the FAFSA every year you’re in college. • If you previously attended college, log into studentaid.gov to check your financial aid eligibility to see if you have maxed out on grants and/or loans. For free help with the FAFSA, see FAFSA Tools at EducationQuest.org or contact the EducationQuest location nearest you.
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Scholarships are awarded by private donors and colleges and are not repaid. Ask your college about scholarships they offer and see the Pay for College section at EducationQuest.org for a list of free scholarship search sites. Grants* are based on financial need and you don’t repay them. They include: • Pell Grant • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) • Nebraska State Opportunity Grant • College-based grants Work-Study* is also based on financial need and provides part-time campus-based employment to help pay for college expenses. Loans* are a type of financial aid you must repay. The college will determine which loans you qualify to receive. Repayment will begin six months after you graduate. They include: • Direct Subsidized Loan: Government pays interest while you’re in school. • Direct Unsubsidized Loan: You pay all the interest. • Direct Grad PLUS Loan: For graduate students, you pay all interest.
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*These types of aid are based on FAFSA results.
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