Qualifying for financial aid

Wondering if you can get financial aid next year, even if you aren’t receiving aid now? Yes, you can! Students who thought they'd never qualify may be pleasantly surprised to receive a letter awarding them a scholarship, grant, or other form of financial assistance. Also, now that you're in college, there may be additional aid options available based on your academic performance or field of study.

Not all financial aid is based on need, or how much money you and your family can contribute towards your education. Check out financial aid options on the Federal Student Aid gateway or other trusted online resources like FinAid.org. As you'll see, you can be eligible for financial aid based on factors besides income or employment status, such as:

• Your academic performance
• Whether you're a full- or part-time student
• Your involvement in athletics or other extracurricular activities
• Your or a parent's previous military service
• Your career choice—scholarships are offered for nurses, teachers, and other professionals
• Your willingness to serve in the military or a service organization, such as AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps, following graduation
• Your religious, cultural, or ethnic background

The FAFSA4caster at http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov/ can help you determine your eligibility for federal aid and how much your family will be expected to contribute. Additionally, if you use the FAFSA4caster, your information is automatically transferred to the FAFSA.

If you have questions or are unsure about any details, talk with a financial aid officer at your school.