Now that you have decided to go to college you have to figure out how to pay for it. This page will help with understanding the process as well as assistance applying for financial aid.

Financial Aid Basics

• What is financial Aid? 
• Financial Aid Scams – when you are looking for funding beware of these scams.
• Cost of Attendance – The cost of college is going up each year so you will have to contact individual schools to find out what tuition and room and board will cost. If you do not currently have health insurance you will have to pay for it through the school. Click here to apply for medicaid.
• Money 101 – Link provides budgeting tools and resources for increasing your financial IQ
• Explanation of Financial Aid Terms – All the terms that are used can be confusing here is list of the terms that are commonly used and what they mean
• How to Complete the FAFSA? – This link will guide you through the process and tell you what documents you will need.

Hint: Remember if you were in foster care on or after the age of 13 you qualify to file as an independent student

• Financial Aid Planning - This can be an overwhelming process but this link is a good place to start for timelines, financial aid calculations, and help with scholarships.
• What are Scholarships and how do I find them? Follow this link for a description as well as help finding scholarships that fit your circumstances.

 

How to fund your education

• Educational Training Vouchers (ETV) provide up to $5,000 per year for educational expenses for youth who were in foster care. For eligibility and application process click here.
• College Opportunity Fund (COF) is a stipend for undergraduate students click here for more information.
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will take into account your legal status as an emancipated youth. Make sure to read all the questions closely!
• Application Fee Waiver is possible if you qualify and there are other resources that can help you here.