Common Financial Aid Terms
- Cost of attendance (COA) - Includes tuition, room & board, fees, books, supplies, and personal expenses that contribute to the total cost of attending a post-secondary institution.
- Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) - Federally calculated amount from the FAFSA that indicates how much a family is able to contribute to the student's total educational costs.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - A form required for every student seeking any type of financial assistance from the federal government (includes Pell Grant and federal student loans). This application opens to families on October 1st of their student's 12th grade year.
- Grant - Money given by schools, the government, or institutions that does not need to be repaid.
- Loan - Money given by the federal government or financial institutions that must be repaid, with interest.
- Merit-Based Aid - Money awarded for academic, athletic, or other skill/ ability.
- Need-Based Aid - Money awarded based on student's financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
Financial Aid Resources
CSS Profile
The College Board's College Scholarship Service (CSS) has pioneered need-based financial aid solutions for over 50 years. Please confirm with the colleges on your list whether this form is required, and submit as soon as early fall of the senior year. Form available October 1st of the senior year for the following school year.
Click here for an interactive presentation on the CSS Profile for more information.
Click here for an interactive presentation on the CSS Profile for more information.
College Goal Sunday
At College Goal Sunday, students and parents can talk to experts and get in-depth help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to receiving assistance in filling out the FAFSA, participants will receive general information regarding state and federal financial aid programs. Check the link for locations throughout the state and registration information.
CollegeXpress
Log in to search for colleges, scholarships, check out specialilzed rankings of colleges or find a summer program to fit your needs.
Connecticut Student Financial Assistance
Check out this site for basic facts about Student Aid and the FAFSA, loans, to learn what you need to know and when you need to act on it.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid: a required form for any student seeking need-based financial aid and available on and after Oct. 1.
Fastweb!
See which scholarships you qualify for based on your personal profile of strengths, interests and skills. Resources to help you navigate the FAFSA and make tough financial decisions. Need to find an internship? fastweb! can help with that, too.
Federal Student Aid - U.S. Dept. of Education
Answers to questions like, "How do I prepare for college?", "What types of aid can I get?", Do I qualify for aid?" Learn about federal programs for grants and scholarships, completing the FAFSA, and understanding your loan.
Finaid! - The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid
Search for scholarships, investigate different types of loans, and find out about other types of financial aid.
NASFAA
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. More than 18,000 student financial assistance professionals at approximately 3,000 institutions of higher education, serving over 16 million students. Offering extensive resources for students and parents.
Petersons.com
Search from over 5000 scholarship providers to find the right scholarship for you. Learn about different types of loans, too.
Private Student Loans Guide- Eligibility, Costs, Best Repayment, and Warnings
Learn about private loans, including how they compare to Federal loans, where to get them, how much they will cost you and your family, and how to pay them back,
Scholarships.com
Find college scholarships, grants and financial aid. Get matched to scholarships that you qualify for. Search for colleges, too.
SCSU Student Financial Literacy & Advising
Are you considering Southern CT State University or could you use some additional support in the quest to finance a college education? Here is a wealth of information in one convenient location to investigate. It's never too early to start looking!