Three general rules that apply to financial aid:
plan ahead, ask questions, take one step at a time.

Paying for college is an issue for every family. Many do not have the resources to pay the costs of a college education without unreasonable sacrifices. They must look for student financial aid to provide access and choice to college. With a basic knowledge about how the system works, financial obstacles should never prohibit you from fulfilling your dreams of post-secondary education. Financial aid comes from four different sources: The federal government, state governments, numerous private sector entities, and the schools themselves. Students apply for federal aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-it is referred to as a need analysis document. This application should be filed as soon after January 1 in your senior year as possible.

Your cost of education will be determined each academic year. It will be made up of your costs for tuition, fees, room and board while you are enrolled, books and supplies, transportation expenses, and miscellaneous expenses. Costs for dependent care or costs associated with a handicap that are not paid by another resource can also be included in your cost of education, if appropriate. Since your family contribution should be a constant figure, no matter where you go to college, it is the cost associated with enrolling at your chosen college that will affect your financial need and, therefore, the amount of financial aid that you are eligible to receive. You will receive an output document as a result of your application. Review the information on this form to make sure it is accurate. If corrections are necessary, follow the instructions that are provided carefully. Each state has financial aid programs available to eligible students. Every college will have resources to assist some of its students. Learning about these resources and what you need to do to qualify for them is an important part of your investigation.

Finally, because attractive financial aid resources can sometimes be limited, it will often be valuable for you to pursue help from sources in the private sector. Do some investigating on your own. Go to the library and ask if they have any reference books. Organizations, businesses, foundations, churches, clubs and even individuals sometimes invest in college education's of deserving and enterprising students. You may learn of nationally-known donors through reading, but there also some wonderful resources in your own community. Again, don't be shy about asking. Be prepared to sell yourself. Financial aid, from any source, will come as one of four types: scholarships, grants, employment and loans.

Scholarships are generally offered to a student in recognition of excellent academic achievement, high test scores, leadership, or for talent or skills in a particular academic curriculum or extracurricular activity. Grants are moneys that do not require repayme...