Understand the Cost of College
It can be overwhelming thinking about the cost of going to college, but don't worry! There are several ways to pay for college and receive aid. But first, how much money are we talking? Use the link below to visit ICAN's website and estimate and compare college costs from different schools.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is simply the grants, scholarships, work-study and/or federal loans you qualify for. To apply for aid, you'll need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the U.S. Department of Education. The FAFSA is a free form that may be completed without professional assistance via paper or electronic forms provided by the U.S. Department of Education. If you need help, ICAN offers no cost assistance.
Grants: Grants are given by the government, schools or organizations to help you through school. Grants do not need to be repaid and are usually given based on financial need.
Scholarships: Scholarships also don't need to be repaid and are usually given based on financial need or merit (meaning you've earned it by being a good student, a good athlete or meeting some other qualification). Scholarships are awarded by private donors or schools. Below is a link to several scholarship applications available to Central City students.
Work-study: This program involves a part-time job, usually on campus, so you earn a paycheck (usually to cover personal expenses) while attending school.
Loans. Because all loans must be repaid (with interest), they are often used to cover expenses that can't be paid for in other ways. Many college loans are set up so you don't need to begin making payments until after you graduate.
-ICAN
Grants: Grants are given by the government, schools or organizations to help you through school. Grants do not need to be repaid and are usually given based on financial need.
Scholarships: Scholarships also don't need to be repaid and are usually given based on financial need or merit (meaning you've earned it by being a good student, a good athlete or meeting some other qualification). Scholarships are awarded by private donors or schools. Below is a link to several scholarship applications available to Central City students.
Work-study: This program involves a part-time job, usually on campus, so you earn a paycheck (usually to cover personal expenses) while attending school.
Loans. Because all loans must be repaid (with interest), they are often used to cover expenses that can't be paid for in other ways. Many college loans are set up so you don't need to begin making payments until after you graduate.
-ICAN
Scholarships
This link will take you to a Google Drive folder of scholarship applications to view and download. Check back frequently as new scholarships are added throughout the year!
FAFSA
The federal government has one form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that it uses to decide how much financial aid you qualify for. This form is sent to each school you list so those schools can award financial aid based on your family's financial situation. State governments may also use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state aid.
The FAFSA is a free form that may be completed without professional assistance via paper or electronic forms provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Filling out the FAFSA can be confusing. If you want assistance, contact ICAN for an appointment. The form can be filled out anytime after Oct. 1 of your senior year of high school and before your college's financial aid priority deadline. You and your parents will need your most recent federal tax returns and W-2 forms, plus your current bank account and investment statements. |