Educational Consumer Tips
Financial Aid for College
The process of planning and saving for a college education should begin as early as possible, since the demand and competition for financial aid is great. It is better to learn what options you have now, and begin figuring college expenses into your long term financial plan.
In planning for college it may be a good idea to sit down with your accountant, financial advisor, banker or insurance agent to assess your child's pending long-term educational needs. Aside from investing and saving money for your child's education, there are financial aid programs available to help pay for this expense.
Financial aid is generally divided into three categories: grants, scholarships, and loans. The first two sources are funds that do not have to be repaid. Some of these are awarded on the basis of academic ability or talent, while others require that your child perform some sort of service. Loans are available from a wide range of sources of money, and must be repaid over a prearranged time period.
Work-Study
Most colleges usually have a need for full or part-time employees to help in various positions on campus. Upon acknowledging your child's need, the financial aid office may arrange for the student to fill a position to work in one of these roles.
Generally, all college financial assistance is based on need.
Financial aid servicers, used by colleges and universities, have a standard formula to determine whether you and your children qualify for various forms of assistance. The forms that you fill out represent the beginning of the process of determining whether your child is eligible for financial aid. Get an early start. Information on the federal aid programs can be obtained in several different ways. The best way is to ask your high school's guidance counselor or contact your State Education Department for state and local aid.
Financial aid servicers, used by colleges and universities, have a standard formula to determine whether you and your children qualify for various forms of assistance. The forms that you fill out represent the beginning of the process of determining whether your child is eligible for financial aid. Get an early start. Information on the federal aid programs can be obtained in several different ways. The best way is to ask your high school's guidance counselor or contact your State Education Department for state and local aid.
For more information, contact:
Better Business Bureau
(800) 828-5000
www.upstateny.bbb.org
This information is general in nature, and is not a Business Review on any particular company.