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Check This Out – Filing for FAFSA

Check This Out – Filing for FAFSA

The idea of paying for college can seen overwhelming, and before you know it, dollar signs are adding up. College is expensive-that’s not a lie-but there are ways to manage the cost.

FACT OR MYTH

There’s a common myth that out-of-state tuition is inherently unaffordable. While the sticker price may be higher for out-of-state universities, there are many scholarships and grants to cut down the cost.

NET PRICE CALCULATORS

Many universities have a net price calculator to help evaluate your expected cost. These net price calculators take into account your family’s finances, so be prepared to have your tax forms on hand. Additionally, many universities take your GPA and ACT or SAT scores into account when determining an estimated scholarship. The bottom line- don’t rule out a school until you find out exactly how much you would be paying out of pocket.

FAFSA

Merit scholarships and other miscellaneous scholarships can drastically reduce the cost of tuition, but they don’t usually cover all the costs. That’s where the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, comes in. The FAFSA takes your finances and your family’s finances into account when creating a financial aid package. Packages can include scholarships, grants, loans, and work study opportunities.

IMPORTANT DATES

The FAFSA opens January 1, 2016 and closes June 30, 2017 for the 2016-17 school year. FAFSA encourages students to apply as soon as they can due to select programs having limited funds.

BE ON GUARD FOR SCAMS

SCHOLARSHIPS

No matter how much money your parents make, no matter what your grades are, just remember that you can still file the FAFSA! The FAFSA will be your best friend over the next four years because you will have to file the FAFSA each year you are in school if you hope to maintain your financial aid package.

Whether you’re ready to branch out and fly across the country for college or you want to stay close to home, make sure you do your research. With the help of net price calculators and the FAFSA, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be paying over the next few years. Just a couple of clicks can help you save thousands of dollars.

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