Financial Aid 101 Paying for Post-Secondary Education

117 More days until graduation…

How much will college cost?

Money to pay for college:  Cash and Savings  Grants and Scholarships  Loans

Where is the Financial Aid? Government: Grants Work Study Loans College, private companies, foundations: Scholarships

FAFSA: Free Application Federal Student Aid  Who is eligible?  U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen  have a valid Social Security Number.  What do you need?  Federal Income Tax and W2 (see handout)  CEC’s FAFSA Night: We will help you!!!  Tuesday February 26 th 4:30-7:40

Why is the FAFSA important? Students who:Result: Completed FAFSA 90% of students enrolled in post- secondary education within 12 months of graduating No FAFSA 45% of students enrolled in post- secondary education within 12 months of graduating

How it works: Example: EFC of $1050  Community College- total cost $12,050  Instate University- total cost $22,950 Financial Aid Award Pell Grant $ 4,500 State Grant $ 2,000 Work Study $ 1,000 FREE $$ $ 7,500 Student Loan $ 2,500 ? Parent Loan ? EFC $ 1,050 TOTAL $11,050 Financial Aid Award Pell Grant $ 4,500 State Grant $ 2,000 Scholarship $10,000 Work Study $ 1,000 FREE $$ $17,500 Student Loan $ 3,350 ? Parent Loan ? EFC $ 1,050 TOTAL $21,900

How do you get that money?  Do your taxes – student and parents  Get a state-issued I.D.  Complete the FAFSA  Read your s and learn how to navigate your college student portal  Discuss your financial aid award with Ms. Abbott.  Keep in touch with an advisor in the financial aid office at your college.  Send documents that they need!  Discuss $$ options with your parents.

SCHOLARSHIPS - three types 1) Merit-based: TALENT 2) Need-based: FINANCIAL NEED 3) Lottery- everyone has an equal chance “pull name out of hat”  Where to start? Start on the website of every college where you applied Go to Find the Scholarship Directorywww.denverscholarship.org

Paying for College – DSF Scholarship  DSF Scholarship: for DPS graduates who are enrolled in a DPS high school all 4 years of high school have a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A have financial need complete three additional scholarships enroll in Colorado colleges  Awards are based on financial eligibility (FAFSA), school choice, and enrollment (full-time or part-time)  Scholars could receive an award up to $3,400 annually, for as many as 5 years Due: April 1

ASCENT Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment Concurrent Enrollment program that allows for students to continue on full-time at a community college or technical college for a 5 th year. DPS will pay for tuition. Students are responsible for books and fees at post secondary institutions. Requirements:  Students must have met all graduation requirements.  Students must have successfully passed (‘C’ or better) 12 college credit hours prior to end of senior year. These courses must be 100 level or higher. It is the student’s responsibility to provide college transcripts upon request.  Students must have a 2.0 GPA or higher.  Students must be college ready through ACT scores or Accuplacer assessment.  Personal Education Plan (PEP) completed.

IS ASCENT FOR YOU?  ASCENT is for students who:  Can not apply for FAFSA  EFC is more than 5550 and will not get the PELL grant  If this is you please see Mrs. Abbott ASAP!