Finding Financial Aid

Check Out This Site for a Gold Mine of Information

Finding financial aid is similar to following the breadcrumb trail to the witch's cottage in Hansel and Gretel. It takes grit, determination, focus and great organization to reach the goal of an affordable education. However, by using all of these abilities, it is possible to receive an education without having loan payments to the age of 40.

No matter what you think or have heard, a college education is affordable. There is an abundance of scholarships, grants and loans available to help students complete their education. Student financial aid is available for all income levels. Along with scholarships, there are grants and a variety of low interest, long term loans available. No one is going to be looking out for you and handing you free money. You must make the effort to search out and apply for financial aid.

Why another financial aid site?

Having followed the student financial aid trail myself, I realize how rocky and sometimes scary it can sometime become. This site has two reasons for being:

A central processing center for general information and student resources. This site contains numerous links and resources assembled in one user friendly, easy to navigate site to help you find college financial aid. Use this as a general guide that will point you in directions you may not have thought of or knew existed.
A calendar of guidelines and reminders to keep you on track during your search for student financial aid.

By following the information on this website, you will discover:

How and where to research for student financial aid

The proper way to fill out application forms when applying for financial aid

Where to search for grants and loans

A yearly calendar to guide you and keep you on track

Timelines and deadlines for applications

Resources for obtaining scholarships, grants and loans

How to maximize your college financial aid eligibility

A guide to planning the last two years of high school

The myths and realities of student financial aid

The true cost of a college education

The wheels of the student financial aid bus are constantly turning. Deadlines come and go mercilessly without any exceptions or extensions. If you miss the bus, there is no sympathy extended. You'll just have to wait and take the next one. Once you understand and accept this maxim, you will realize that discipline and organization are as important as income status in the treasure hunt for student financial aid and scholarships. You will then be well on your way to realizing the dream of an affordable education.

One last note:

The hysteria surrounding the college admission process has led people to sleepless nights and stress related days. The idea that only a prestigious college will help you fast track a career has no evidence to support it. Hype and the media have promoted this idea which is totally unfounded. For many families the college search has spun out of control. If you find this happening in your family, print out the statement below and paste it in a prominent place in your home:

There are over two thousand four-year colleges in this country and at least ten percent of them will be right for a student.

Do not panic!! There is a place that is perfect for you and a place that will love to have you! If you are a parent, help your child find a place that is best suited for their interests, talents and personality. This may not be your alma mater, their friend's choice, or a place the guidance counselor has a fondness for.The student will be spending 2-4 years at the school. Help them make a decision that is right for them.

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