Scholarship & Financial Aid Information

Scholarships and Financial Aid

How to pay for college is without a doubt one of the most significant challenges facing families today.  The search for financial aid to meet the rising cost of a college education will become a major priority for most families.

Check with each college to find out which financial aid forms are required and important deadlines.  Financial aid can come from a variety of sources.  The most notable sources are:

• Federal Government
  • grants (do not pay back)
  • loans (pay back)
  • work study (earn & do not pay back)
• State Government
• College and University (scholarships - do not pay back)
• Private Sources (scholarships - do not pay back)

Financial Aid:

The "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) is your starting point for applying to most student financial assistance programs.  Many states and schools also use the FAFSA as part of their application process for student aid.  The earlier you send in the form, the better your chance of receiving all the aid for which you are eligible - applications are accepted starting on October 1 of each school year.  The FAFSA is a comprehensive form.  Be prepared to provide extensive information about your family's income and income taxes from the previous year, assets, family size, number of family members attending college, and more.  Click on the FAFSA link in the right column.  

You must be accepted at a college before it can offer you financial aid.  Once you have been accepted by a college, the information from your FAFSA will be reviewed to determine your aid eligibility at that school.  They will send you a financial aid award letter that will list the amount and types of aid you are eligible to receive for one academic year.  Aid listed could include scholarships, grants, student loans, and work study.  Even if you aren't sure you qualify, fill out the FAFSA anyway - you may be surprised. 

Student aid will be paid to you through the school by the semester, quarter, or other payment period.  Typically, the school will first use the aid to pay any tuition and fee charges as well as room & board, if provided by the school.  The remainder will be paid to you for other living expenses.  Aid funds may not be credit for books, supplies, or other school charges unless you have authorized this in writing.

Counselors strongly encourage students and parents to attend a College Goal Wisconsin session to complete your FAFSA application (especially if it's your first time).  Check on the College Goal Wisconsin website in right column for a location and date convenient for your family.   

Scholarships:

Check out the following scholarship sources:

• Counseling Dept Webpage:
  • Scholarship Database - county, regional, state, and national scholarships updated frequently
  • Local Scholarships - available the first week of January and application deadline is early February

• College or University you are attending

• Online Scholarship Search Engines - check out list in right column

Scholarship money does not need to be repaid - it's FREE money!

Scholarship Search Presentation