WELCOME! Vonda Garcia Financial Aid Director January 7, 2016

Education Pays

What is Financial Aid? Financial Aid consists of funds provided to students and families to help pay for postsecondary educational expenses.

Types of Financial Aid Gift Aid Self-Help Aid Scholarships Grants Loans Student Employment Gift Aid Self-Help Aid

Gift Aid vs. Self-Help Aid GIFT AID SELF-HELP AID * Money that does not have to * Money students and parents be paid back. borrow to help pay college cost. * Usually awarded on the basis of * Repayment usually begins after financial need. education is finished. * Only borrow what is needed. * Look at loans as an investment in the future.

Self-Help Aid Allows student to earn money to help pay education costs Work-Study Employment Allows student to earn money to help pay education costs Student may opt whether or not to work Flexible work schedules Great way to make connections/network Provides valuable skills and learning experiences

Sources of Aid Federal Government State Government Colleges and Universities Private agencies, companies, foundations, and employers

What is Cost of Attendance (COA)? Direct Costs vs. Indirect Costs

Comparing Estimated 2015-2016 College Tuition Costs Community College $46 per Unit $1104/yr (24 unit) CSU $5,472 UC $12,240 Private Independent $40,000+ Additional Costs of Attendance include: Other college fees: $1000 (student fees, parking, etc.) Books: $1,700 (both semesters) Room and Board $12,000 – $15,000 Personal Expenses: $3,000

Comparing Estimated 2015-2016 Cost of Attendance Includes: Tuition & Fees Room & Board Books & Supplies Transportation Personal Expenses Community College CSU UC Private TotalCost $17,000 $27,000 $31,000 $59,000

Complete a FAFSA or DREAM Act Application How Does a Student Apply for Financial Aid? Complete a FAFSA or DREAM Act Application March 2nd FAFSA.GOV CALDREAMACT.ORG

Which Application Does the Student Complete? FAFSA.GOV DREAM.CSAC.CA.GOV U.S Citizens Permanent Residents Students without lawful immigration status who are AB 540 eligible apply

It Takes 2 by March 2 FAFSA or DREAM APP Cal Grant GPA Verification Form Most high schools will automatically send the Cal Grant GPA to the California Student Aid Commission.

Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) for FAFSA FSA ID is used to log into certain U.S Department of Education websites such as the FAFSA. Student Parent(s) Yours for Your Lifetime FSAID.ED.GOV

FAFSA Information & Tips File early, but no later than March 2, 2016 Use estimated 2015 income information if taxes are not complete at time of FAFSA submission Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if possible Student and at least one parent whose information is reported must complete and sign the FAFSA

Getting Ready Student Driver’s License Student Alien Registration Card, if applicable Student and Parent Social Security cards 2015 W-2 Forms and records of money earned and other taxable benefits 2015 federal income tax form (even if not yet completed) Records of untaxed income Current bank statements Business, farm, and other real estate records Records of stocks, bonds, and other investments

- Expected Family Contribution What is Financial Need? Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

What is Expected Family Contribution (EFC)? Amount family can reasonably contribute Stays the same regardless of college attending Two components Parent Contribution Student Contribution

Cal Grants Must be a California resident, a high school senior or recent high school grad, and meet income/asset ceilings Cal Grant A GPA 3.0 4 yr University Cal Grant B GPA 2.0 Com College 4 yr University Cal Grant C Low income Vocational Schools

UC’s Commitment to California Residents Califorinia resident Family income of $80,000 or less Qualify for need based financial aid (apply on time, apply for Cal Grant, etc.) If your existing aid from all sources does not cover your UC System wide tuition/fees ($12,240 for 2015-16) the Blue and Gold Plan covers the balance up to your financial need!

Middle Class Scholarship A partial scholarship to help pay UC or Cal State tuition if : California resident Total family income of between $150K and total Household assets of $150K or less Qualify for financial aid (apply on time, apply for Cal Grant, etc.) Not already receiving grants and scholarships that equal systemwide tuition and fees See more information at http://www.csac.ca.gov

Verification for Financial Aid Keep in contact with Financial Aid Office at the college or university Submit any requested documents on time Financial Aid Administrators are available to help you. If you are confused about the process, DO NOT hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships Available from colleges, companies, Community-based and other organizations. Usually require separate applications (the UC Admissions Application is your Scholarship Application) Beware of scholarship search Companies that charge a fee. Check with your high school counselor about scholarship opportunities. Be persistent and check regularly. Make use of free reliable online web resources.

Free Scholarship Searches www.fastweb.com www.colleganswer.com bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.sdfoundation.org

Scholarships for AB540 Students http://www.maldef.org/leadership/scholarships/index.html http://www.latinocollegedollars.org/

Additional College Applications Independent/Private Colleges CSS Financial Aid Profile Institutional Financial Aid Form Scholarship Applications

Special Circumstances Contact the Financial Aid Office and describe the Special Circumstances in writing Loss of income High Medical/Dental Expenses Change in Marital Status

Helpful Tips to Keep In Mind Student’s Name, Birthdate, SSN should be same for Admission and Financial Aid application Student’s name and ID on all paperwork Keep copies of all paperwork Be aware and remember key Deadlines – March 2nd and other school deadlines Stay in touch with each of the college offices – Admissions, Financial Aid, Housing, etc Reapply for Financial Aid each school year

Selective Service Males over 18 years old must register at www.sss.gov Males under 18 may register on the FAFSA or Dream Application

CASH FOR COLLEGE: sandiegocalsoap.com CSU San Marcos Saturday, February 20, 2016 9am-Noon Orange Glen High School Saturday, February 27, 2016 9am-Noon

Financial Aid—Investing in Your Future!