1. Financial Aid Basics

2. Four Types of Financial Aid: Grants ▫You do not have to pay these back ▫Based on financial need Loans ▫Have to pay back ▫Everyone can get loans Scholarships ▫Do not have to pay back Work Study ▫Get a job on campus to help with tuition costs You must fill out the FAFSA in order to receive grants, loans and work study

3. Grants There are many grants available for students who need assistance. ▫Grants vary, but they are usually based on student financial need.

4. Loans There are many different types of loans ▫Some loans make you pay interest while you are in college and some do not ▫Educational loans are considered “good loans” by other financial companies ▫The more financial help you need, the better loans you will get

5. Scholarships There are scholarships for every type of person! Visit the Oak Ridge HS College & Career Center webpage for a current listing of available scholarships. Check with the college you are planning on attending. All colleges have their own scholarships that students can apply for.

6. Work Study Work on campus a maximum of 20 hours a week to help pay for tuition costs ▫Works great with college schedules You have to fill out the FAFSA and state that you are interested in work-study opportunities.

7. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) All loans, grants and work study opportunities are awarded through the FAFSA Fill it out the year before you want to start attending school. ▫You can begin filling out your FAFSA on January 1 st of each year. Many awards are first come, first served so hurry! The FAFSA website is www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov Be careful of phony websites that charge you money! FAFSA is completely free!

8. Websites about Financial Aid: FAFSA 4 Caster ▫Students can get an estimate of how much federal student aid they will be eligible for. US Dept of Education’s website on Federal Student AidUS Dept of Education’s website on Federal Student Aid FAFSA Website ▫Website where you will fill out your electronic FAFSA application  Never too early to visit and become familiar with!