It is time for students expecting to attend college in the Fall of 2015 to apply for financial aid! Students will need to apply for financial aid on three levels: Federal, State, and Institutional.
FINANCIAL AID - FEDERAL LEVEL
Federal Financial Aid is often referred to by the form acronym, "FAFSA". Most institutions and many scholarship programs require the family to file a FAFSA for income verification. There are a few resources people can use to help understand and complete the FAFSA:
- Financial Aid Information Nights/Meetings - These meetings are open to all parents and students who would like more information about the federal financial aid application process. Meetings are hosted throughout the Duval County area. Parents may attend any meeting that is convenient for them and they do not have to have a student enrolled in 12th grade to attend these meetings. For a list of meetings, please click DCPS Financial Aid Info Nights!
- College Goal Sunday (CGS) - This one day event is amazing! Hosted by FSCJ, this FREE event allows families to work individually with financial aid specialists on the FAFSA. This event is scheduled for February 22nd at FSCJ - ACT Center (downtown). Click here for more information about CGS!
- FAFSA on the Web - This website, coordinated by the the US Government, contains and explains all of the federal financial aid program and forms. Families use this website to apply for Federal Financial Aid. Click here to read about or start your FAFSA!
FINANCIAL AID - STATE LEVEL
The State level financial aid program is often referred to as Bright Futures, but the program includes so much more! Students who complete this application are automatically reviewed for over 20 state scholarship programs! It is recommended all students enrolled in Florida high schools apply for Florida Financial Aid regardless of the institution they expect to attend. Sometimes, plans change after high school graduation. Some of the Florida financial aid programs require the application to be on file before the student graduates from high school, but they will hold the money for students for a specified length of time. For example, students enlisting in the military have access to Bright Futures funds for up to three years - if they apply and qualify before they graduate! To read more about Florida Financial Aid or to start your application, click here!
The Florida Financial Aid application is not as lengthy as the FAFSA, but it requires careful attention to detail. Do not complete this application without using the Helpful Hints! Many applications were denied last year because students did not pay attention to the Helpful Hints, particularly questions #22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 33, & 34. Do not assume you know these answers without looking at the Helpful Hints! Click here for HELPFUL HINTS when completing the Florida Financial Aid application.
FINANCIAL AID - INSTITUTION LEVEL
Complete the Institution's Financial Aid application. This will be unique to every school, as each school will have their own process for awarding their Foundation money. Everyone should check out their school's financial aid process, because this application process usually includes reviews for multiple awards. Once a student has submitted an application to a college/university, check out that school's Financial Aid website.
