1.  The government’s philosophy is that you are a “dependent” until age 24, get married, have children of your own, and/or serve in the military.  The parent/adult (s) you live with are required to provide tax information for your FAFSA with the federal government.  Need-based Financial Aid – based on your family’s income as calculated by the federal government on the FAFSA.  Merit-based Financial Aid – based on your academic achievement, leadership potential, community service, church activities (may have GPA & student  leadership renewal criteria each year).

2.  Complete Parent & Student Income Taxes with the IRS as soon as possible after January 31.  Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your college(s) school code(s). ◦ Do not leave any blanks on your FAFSA! ◦ Avoid frequent errors (e.g. Student’s SS Number, Divorced/Remarried Family Status, Parent/ Stepparent/Legal Guardian Information, Household Size, Untaxed Income, U.S. Income Taxes Paid, Investment Value).  Check for your Student Aid Report (SAR) (about 3 weeks later). Correct errors, if necessary.  Submit additional documents for verification (if chosen by federal government or institution).

3. Grants (“free money”)  Federal Pell Grant (need-based)  Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) (need-based)  Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) (need- based)  Florida Residence Access Grant (FRAG – entitlement for Florida private institutions) Additional State of Florida programs: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/ho me/ProgramsOffered.htm

4. Loans  Subsidized & Unsubsidized Stafford Loans  Parent PLUS Loans  Private Lender Loans Student Employment  Federal Work-Study (FWS) (need-based)  Florida Work-Experience Program (FWEP) (need- based)  Student Assistants (non-need based) College Investment Programs  Florida Pre-Paid Plan  529 Investment Plans

5.  Florida Bright Futures Scholarships (Academic - based on 3.5 GPA, 1290 SAT or 29 ACT, plus 100 community service hours) (or) (Medallion - based on 3.0 GPA, 1170 SAT or 26 ACT)  College/University Scholarships (based on academics, community service, leadership, and other donor criteria)  External Scholarships (civic & community organizations, professional associations & employer tuition waiver plans)  (Please do a www.fastweb.com search!)www.fastweb.com