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What do I need when getting financial aid?
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Matthew’s Answer
Hello,
I would recommend reaching out to a school counselor to start. They will be able to walk you through the applicable loan /grant programs from both the federal government and private lenders. The name of the government program is FAFSA.
Please also keep in mind that most universities have both needs-based and merit-based scholarships. Needs-based scholarships are based on the income of your parents or guardians. Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, are based on merit (academics/extracurriculars).
If possible, I'd recommend staying away from loans. If that means going to a lower ranked school to avoid debt, then that's what I would do.
Hope that's somewhat helpful.
Thanks!
Matt
I would recommend reaching out to a school counselor to start. They will be able to walk you through the applicable loan /grant programs from both the federal government and private lenders. The name of the government program is FAFSA.
Please also keep in mind that most universities have both needs-based and merit-based scholarships. Needs-based scholarships are based on the income of your parents or guardians. Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, are based on merit (academics/extracurriculars).
If possible, I'd recommend staying away from loans. If that means going to a lower ranked school to avoid debt, then that's what I would do.
Hope that's somewhat helpful.
Thanks!
Matt
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alberto !
I always think planning for college is exciting and yes, financial aid is a big part of the planning so you've come to the right place for initial advice. You can then visit your campus Financial Aid Office for specific details pertaining to your college and circumstances.
The basic things you will "need" will be to have the eligibility requirements such as being a citizen, an eligible non-citizen like having a green card, an I-94 or a T-Visa. You need a Social Security Number, too. You also need a High School Diploma or a GED or have completed a state approved Home School program. You also need to be accepted at or enrolled in at a college for a degree or certificate at a college that participates in the Financial Aid Program. I take it that you are going to be a first time student, but just in case, you will need to not have any defaults on any student loans or owe any money on grants when you apply. (You do no pay back grants but sometimes violations are given and if so the student has to pay back the grant. Very rare, though). In order to keep receiving financial aid, you must apply for it each year that you are at college.
Although there are no income guidelines to be eligible for financial aid, your income can matter for certain types of aid. This is based on your Student Aid Index which is calculated from the family income and assets you've stated on your application. Your Student Aid Index will determine how much money you'd be awarded. They also consider things like your dependency status, family size, and the cost of tuition at your college. If you have exceptional financial need, you may be awarded a Pell Grant. Eligibility is based on several factors, but you definitely should apply. You should check on your FAFSA Application that you want the Grants, Scholarships and Work Study types. If you can avoid checking that you want loans, that would be good. You can make up what you'd get in loans by applying for lots and lots of private outside scholarships and grants instead of loans. You would have to pay the loans back after you stop attending college. So, if possible, try not to check on the application that you want loans.
It is very important to visit in person the Financial Aid Office at the college you'll be attending. If you've missed the Financial Aid deadline for possibly starting in the Fall of 2025, ask the Financial Aid officer if you can apply for the Spring Semester. Deadlines are different for UC, CSU and community colleges and probably private colleges too in California, so a visit to your campus financial aid office is very much advised at this time. That will be the best thing you'll need to do.
I hope this helps in general and I wish you all the best !
I always think planning for college is exciting and yes, financial aid is a big part of the planning so you've come to the right place for initial advice. You can then visit your campus Financial Aid Office for specific details pertaining to your college and circumstances.
The basic things you will "need" will be to have the eligibility requirements such as being a citizen, an eligible non-citizen like having a green card, an I-94 or a T-Visa. You need a Social Security Number, too. You also need a High School Diploma or a GED or have completed a state approved Home School program. You also need to be accepted at or enrolled in at a college for a degree or certificate at a college that participates in the Financial Aid Program. I take it that you are going to be a first time student, but just in case, you will need to not have any defaults on any student loans or owe any money on grants when you apply. (You do no pay back grants but sometimes violations are given and if so the student has to pay back the grant. Very rare, though). In order to keep receiving financial aid, you must apply for it each year that you are at college.
Although there are no income guidelines to be eligible for financial aid, your income can matter for certain types of aid. This is based on your Student Aid Index which is calculated from the family income and assets you've stated on your application. Your Student Aid Index will determine how much money you'd be awarded. They also consider things like your dependency status, family size, and the cost of tuition at your college. If you have exceptional financial need, you may be awarded a Pell Grant. Eligibility is based on several factors, but you definitely should apply. You should check on your FAFSA Application that you want the Grants, Scholarships and Work Study types. If you can avoid checking that you want loans, that would be good. You can make up what you'd get in loans by applying for lots and lots of private outside scholarships and grants instead of loans. You would have to pay the loans back after you stop attending college. So, if possible, try not to check on the application that you want loans.
It is very important to visit in person the Financial Aid Office at the college you'll be attending. If you've missed the Financial Aid deadline for possibly starting in the Fall of 2025, ask the Financial Aid officer if you can apply for the Spring Semester. Deadlines are different for UC, CSU and community colleges and probably private colleges too in California, so a visit to your campus financial aid office is very much advised at this time. That will be the best thing you'll need to do.
I hope this helps in general and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Aulani’s Answer
Hello Alberto,
Thank you for your question, I am happy to help! For financial aid, the crucial first step is to understand your status of dependency. Your status of dependency lies under two categories: financially dependent and financially independent. If you are financially dependent you will fill out your information as well as your parent/guardians information. If you are financially independent you will fill out your information, also requiring the contribution of your spouse only if you are married.
Once you understand this step you are welcome to create your student aid account, begin your application, and apply for financial aid. I strongly advise that you prepare pen, paper, and any necessary documentation you might need to help assist you in filling out your application. You will be asked questions regarding your parent/guardian or spouses information (if this applies to you), list of colleges or schools, and other sensitive information such as tax information, social security number, address, contact information and so forth.
Your eligibility amount for financial aid will be determined based on your responses in the application process. For example, your academic progress, enrollment status, and so forth. Once your application is completed and sent, it will go through processing for about 1 - 3 days. You should get a message that your application is processing through the email that you used to register your account. Always make sure you are checking your account frequently for any updates. If you shall need further assistance do not hesitate to contact financial aid directly and consult with your schools financial aid office.
There is a lot of great information here of help to you, I hope you are able to successfully start and complete your financial aid application process soon, I wish you success!
Thank you for your question, I am happy to help! For financial aid, the crucial first step is to understand your status of dependency. Your status of dependency lies under two categories: financially dependent and financially independent. If you are financially dependent you will fill out your information as well as your parent/guardians information. If you are financially independent you will fill out your information, also requiring the contribution of your spouse only if you are married.
Once you understand this step you are welcome to create your student aid account, begin your application, and apply for financial aid. I strongly advise that you prepare pen, paper, and any necessary documentation you might need to help assist you in filling out your application. You will be asked questions regarding your parent/guardian or spouses information (if this applies to you), list of colleges or schools, and other sensitive information such as tax information, social security number, address, contact information and so forth.
Your eligibility amount for financial aid will be determined based on your responses in the application process. For example, your academic progress, enrollment status, and so forth. Once your application is completed and sent, it will go through processing for about 1 - 3 days. You should get a message that your application is processing through the email that you used to register your account. Always make sure you are checking your account frequently for any updates. If you shall need further assistance do not hesitate to contact financial aid directly and consult with your schools financial aid office.
There is a lot of great information here of help to you, I hope you are able to successfully start and complete your financial aid application process soon, I wish you success!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Alberto!
Great news! Financial aid funds are processed at SJSU every Wednesday. By the end of the day, you'll see the awarded amount in your account. If you receive multiple types of awards, there might be several entries.
For more information, feel free to check out these helpful links:
- www.sjsu.edu/faso
- www.sjsu.edu/faso/process/index.php
- www.sjcc.edu/on-campus-resources/financial-aid-and-scholarship/financial-aid.aspx
Wishing you all the best!
Great news! Financial aid funds are processed at SJSU every Wednesday. By the end of the day, you'll see the awarded amount in your account. If you receive multiple types of awards, there might be several entries.
For more information, feel free to check out these helpful links:
- www.sjsu.edu/faso
- www.sjsu.edu/faso/process/index.php
- www.sjcc.edu/on-campus-resources/financial-aid-and-scholarship/financial-aid.aspx
Wishing you all the best!
Updated
Michael’s Answer
You have until June 30th to apply for FAFSA, so don't wait. You need to apply to get financial aid from your school. Contact the school's financial aid office for help. Also, visit the school's website to find scholarships you can apply for based on merit and need.