North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence (NACEE) Irene J. Steele, Education Counselor 513 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816 256.372.4600

NACEE All Services are Free!!! Academic Counseling Career Counseling Financial Aid Preparation (FAFSA) ACT Prep Scholarship Assistance Tutoring

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid Merit Based Aid Need Based Aid

Merit Based Aid Scholarships

Scholarships Deadlines Essays Community Service Don’t Neglect Local Scholarships

Essays Give them an idea of who you are Let teachers critique essay Focus on a personal aspect of yourself

Community Service Church Involvement Volunteer at Food Pantry Organize Donations at your School Tutor or Read to Elementary Students Provide Baby-Sitting/Mowing Services

Local Scholarships Redstone Federal Credit Union Regions Bank Best Buy Target Wal-Mart

Need Based Aid Pell Grant

Changes to 2017/2018 FAFSA Application The 2017–18 FAFSA season will begin earlier than previous FAFSA application cycles. Beginning on Oct. 1, 2016, you will be able to complete the FAFSA for the 2017/18 academic year. In the past, students/parents had to wait until January 1 to complete the FAFSA. 2016/2017 Academic year: 2015 Taxes Required (student/parent) 2017/2018 Academic Year: 2015 Taxes Required (student/parent) 2018/2019 Academic Year: 2016 Taxes Required (student/parent)

FSA ID (https://fsaid. ed. gov/npas/index FSA ID (https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm) Parents/Students Need to Create an FSA ID Why is an FSA ID Needed? FAFSA ID Checklist Sign FAFSA Application Update/Correct FAFSA Utilize IRS Data Retrieval Tool Complete Entrance Counseling Sign Promissory Note SSN Complete Name/Address Date of Birth Email Five (5) Challenge Questions

Pell Grant House-Hold Income Number in Household Maximum amount $5,815 per academic year $2,907 per semester Additional grants available (SEOG if eligible)

Common Mistakes Using Incorrect Income (grandparent, non-custodial parent) Independent Status Social Security Income No tax information

Student Loans Payments begin 6 months after graduating or leaving school $5,500 per academic year/$2,750 Semester (Freshman) Parent Plus Loans Work Study

College Search Two Year vs Four Year Tuition per Semester Alabama 2 year colleges $420/class. Semester tuition $1,700 UNA tuition, fees, meals, housing: $7,555 (https://www.una.edu/admissions/costs-expenses.html) UAH tuition, fees, meals, housing: $12,262. Minus housing is $9,120 (http://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/costs) Alabama tuition, fees, meals, housing $14,851 (http://financialaid.ua.edu/cost/) Auburn tuition, fees, meals, housing $15,229 (http://www.auburn.edu/admissions/tuition/costofattendance.html Private Schools/Proprietary Schools – much more expensive. Not all classes may transfer.

ACT PREP National ACT Average Score: 21 NACEE’s offers Free ACT Prep Classes Held on UAH Campus Must have “2016 Peterson’s ACT Prep Guide” You can purchase books through NACEE for $25.00

Questions?