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Financial Aid

Money

The financial aid process can be overwhelming and time consuming. The resources below will provide you with an overview of the process and some tools to help you get started.

MEFAAn Overview of the Process

The financial aid process can be confusing, time consuming, and anxiety provoking. Here is a brief overview of the process and application requirements. College financial aid offices are a terrific resource for more specific questions. This page has links for much of the financial aid information and tools you will need.

See the Senior Timeline on the Counseling Website during the fall for the date/time of Financial Aid Night, which includes an overview of types and sources of aid as well as directions for completing the FAFSA.

Note: Colleges have varying deadlines for applying for financial aid and different requirements for what has to be filled out. Please check each college's requirements and deadlines carefully.

FAFSAFAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Cannot be filed until after October 1st of your child's senior year in high school (for his/or her first year in college). The FAFSA must be filed each year.

Electronic filing is strongly recommended. 
 
Register for a FAFSA ID now to be ready to file FAFSA electronically:

CSS Profile: Customized financial aid application that some colleges require in addition to the FAFSA (more specific than FAFSA-assets, etc.)

  • An online service of the College Board.
  • You can print out worksheets to help.
  • Colleges use information gathered for help with awarding non-federal student aid.
  • Available to complete beginning October 1st.
  • List of colleges requiring profile on website.
  • Anyone eligible for a fee waiver will be notified electronically right away.

2-Step Profile Process:

  • Go to the College Board website to register.
  • Under "For Students" to "Paying for College" to "CSS Profile".
  • Registration portion of process costs $25.
  • Involves filling out general questionnaire and indicating colleges to which student is applying (that require the form).
  • Complete the profile application.
  • $16 fee for each college that information is submitted to.

Institutional Forms: Some colleges may have an additional form that they have developed to collect financial information. Please make note of all forms that are required by particular colleges.

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Understanding Aid

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Applying for Aid

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Tools and Links

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Scholarships

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