What is Financial Aid

Financial aid counseling is important, because it provides information to help you remain eligible to receive financial aid, and increases your opportunity for academic success. All new and returning students who recieve financial aid must complete a financial aid counseling session each year that they apply for financial aid. What is financial aid? Financial aid is designed to help students and families pay for college education. Federal and state governments provide assistance for college education expenses through these means: Grants - these are funds based on need and are generally not repaid. Eligibility is determined by FAFSA results, cost of attendance, and enrollment status, which includes full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, and less than half-time. Scholarships - these are gifts and are not required to be repaid if eligibility requirements are met. Loans - these are funds disbursed to stuents to cover educational expenses that must be repaid. and finally, Work-study - these are part-time jobs offered on campus to help pay for education.