| Financial aid is able to help put a student through | | | | education. Once the student completes an application |
| college when the student has limited funds to pay for it | | | | form, it will then be determined if and how much |
| themselves. A student who may not have the | | | | funding will be distributed. |
| finances to go to school might be an applicable | | | | Normally in order for a student to be considered for |
| candidate for receiving some form of aid. Starting on a | | | | aid, two things need to be factored into the equation. |
| degree path can be a challenging time for a student | | | | The cost of education will be a deciding factor, but the |
| who does not have the financial means to go to | | | | family's ability to pay for the education will also be |
| school, but there are ways around this in order for the | | | | another element in determining whether the aid monies |
| student to be able to get a proper education. | | | | are sufficient for this specific student. |
| The aid received will be able to help a student pay for | | | | When applying for financial assistance, a student will |
| not only the tuition expenses, but also books and | | | | need to fill out a Free Application for Financial Aid |
| supplies they may need for each course. Room and | | | | (FAFSA). By completing this form the student will be |
| board are normally covered as well, whether the | | | | able to show how much they are able to pay for |
| student is attending a college or a university. | | | | school, along with the help of their parents. This is |
| There are two classifications for financial aid: | | | | formally called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) |
| merit-based or need-based. Merit-based is normally | | | | and is really what will help decide if monies will be |
| associated with grants and scholarships that a student | | | | given to the student given their financial situation. |
| has won and sometimes can be awarded without the | | | | Many colleges vary with how they ask the student to |
| need for financial aid to be the deciding factor. | | | | apply for aid for school. Students should always check |
| Students who are in financial difficulties with regards to | | | | with the school to make sure they are completing the |
| school normally receive need-based financial aid. A | | | | application properly. When a student applies to a |
| student will need to complete an application to state | | | | private school, there may be other forms required. |
| how much the family will be able to pay for their | | | | |