FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) – Financial aid
How can I pay for college?
v To whatever extent is possible, work toward paying for
your college expenses by earning scholarships, obtaining grants and using campus
work-study opportunities. Many sources are available for finding these types of
financial aid, free of charge. Some of
the best FREE places we have found to seek financial assistance include:
§ Local scholarships and contests (posted in Guidance Office)
v Most importantly, contact the financial aid offices at
the various colleges that you plan to attend.
At least once per semester while you are in college, you also should
check with your financial aid office to inquire about additional scholarships,
work-study opportunities and internships that may be available for the upcoming
semester/year. Stay ahead of any deadlines the college sets for financial aid
applications!
v If you have exhausted all other opportunities for
scholarships or grants and still have more college expenses that must be
covered, carefully examine options for requesting reputable student loans
through your college. Be aware that all student loans must eventually be
repaid, with interest, and that college-related debts can accumulate quickly
and require many years of being in debt.
Speak personally with financial aid representatives at your college to
find out about the most economical and manageable student loan options for your
situation, always thinking ahead to what your other financial obligations may
include during future years.
How do I apply for financial aid?
v Complete all applications for scholarships and/or
financial aid for each college or technical school you are considering. Most
can be found online at their websites. Make sure you meet all the deadlines.
Check their Net Price or True Cost Calculators to help estimate your financial
aid options at each school. Some schools may require a CSS/PROFILE in addition
to the FAFSA.
v File FAFSA documentation a.s.a.p. after January 1 each
year that you will be in college. FAFSA
information is automatically forwarded to the financial aid departments at
whatever college(s) you specify, so list all colleges you might possibly be
interested in attending. Usually within
a few weeks after your FAFSA information is completed, you should begin
receiving letters and/or emails from the college financial aid office(s) about
the specific amounts of aid they can make available for you. NOTE: Be sure that you are using www.fafsa.ed.gov,
NOT fafsa.com. This can help avoid unnecessary delays or possible “fees” that
some sites may attempt to charge.
v If you will be attending college in Mississippi, apply
for state grants and scholarships (MTAG, HELP, or MESG, etc.) a.s.a.p. after
January 1
each academic year that you will be in college.
Stay ahead of deadlines, which are different
for each scholarship. Call the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid at
800-327-2980 or 601-432-6997, or visit
www.mississippi.edu/financialaid.
v Request information about work-study, scholarships, co-op
and internship opportunities – check with educators, administrators, and
department bulletin boards at your college.
v Remember, if you work hard on your academic studies
and keep in good communication with professors and department heads during your
freshman year, you likely will be able to learn about additional scholarships
and financial aid sources for each year you are in college.
Also visit
www.get2college.org for more scholarship options.
v If you begin your studies at a community college and maintain
good grades and academic standing, you may become eligible for substantial Transfer
scholarships (such as Phi Theta Kappa) offered by four-year colleges and
universities. Check with financial aid representatives and transfer
coordinators at each school to find your best options.
v Apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can! Your goal is to have a minimum of student
loans, to be as debt-free as possible, when you finish college or technical
school.
