Financial Aid Basics

The intent of the Federal and state financial aid programs is to assist you in obtaining an education for which you will be more marketable and be able to earn a higher wage.  Earning more will mean you may pay more in taxes to the Federal and state governments.  It is through tax dollars that the financial aid programs are available to assist others in obtaining their higher education goals.

Having said all of that, there are a number of requirements you must meet to be considered for financial aid:

• A U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen (for most programs) with a valid Social Security number (SSN).
• Be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an approved ability-to-benefit test to determine whether you can benefit from the education offered at the school or complete a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law.
• Register with the Selective Service, if required.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Types of Aid

• Grants
  
  
• Scholarships
  
  
• Work-Study
  
  
• Loans
  
  
• Determining Your Eligibility and Costs