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Financial Aid for College

Source: bigfuture.collegeboard.org

Where Do I Start?

As a parent, one of the scariest things to consider is how you’re going to pay for college for your children. This cost includes tuition and fees, as well as room and board. You know in most cases, you won’t be able to foot the bill for 100% of the cost, so how do you go about getting financial aid for your child?

Financial aid comes in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study jobs. There are three basic sources of aid:

  • Federal and state governments
  • Colleges
  • Private organizations

To give your child the best chance for all available aid, start by having him/her complete the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Submitting this application gives you access to the largest pool of financial aid dollars and loans with the best terms. The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year and you should complete your FAFSA as early as possible. View tips on completing the FAFSA. Be sure to have your tax records and financial documents handy.

The second-largest pool of money comes from colleges, which may require you to fill out the FAFSA, the PROFILE, or their own forms.

Finally, aid from private organizations is definitely worth researching and applying for, but it’s unlikely to be your main source of college money. Be strategic in completing these applications – you are more likely to get a local scholarship than a national one. And never pay for a scholarship search service – there are plenty of free tools out there.

To calculate your estimated college savings plan, use our College Savings calculator.

While we trust you’ll find value in this content, it’s important to view it as a starting point. For personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, we strongly advise consulting with a qualified professional who holds the necessary licenses. This article, along with any associated resources, should not be interpreted as legal or financial advice. While efforts were made to ensure accuracy at the time of preparation, we cannot guarantee its current relevance.

Citizens National Bank does not warrant or represent the accuracy, applicability, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Citizens National Bank explicitly disclaim any responsibility for the use or misuse of these materials. By accessing this site, you agree to absolve Citizens National Bank from any associated liabilities. Exercise caution and seek professional advice before making any financial or legal decisions based on the information provided here.

Information and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.

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