By William Chunestudy, DMA, Director of Student Financial Services at La Sierra University
Paying for college sometimes seems overwhelming, but taking the time for a few simple steps can help ensure that you can focus on classes rather than finances.
First, make a short list of schools that interest you, and ask each admissions office for a statement of the annual cost of attendance (this is frequently available on the school's website).
File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon after Jan. 1, 2007, as possible. This application is used to determine need-based financial aid for both federal, state and school funding. These applications can be filled out online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by getting a FAFSA at your high school or academy guidance counselor’s office. Be sure to indicate on the FAFSA all colleges that you are considering. Each of those schools will automatically be sent your information.
Contact the recruiter from each of the schools you wish to attend. Most schools will provide you with a financial aid estimate which will give you a general idea about the amount of financial aid you can receive.
Complete the application process for the schools you wish to attend as early as possible because this is the first real step in getting an official financial aid award, and some funds are limited. The admissions office at the school you wish to attend can give you all the necessary information.
After filing your FAFSA, you will receive notification called an SAR (Student Aid Report) about your qualification for need-based aid. After receiving your SAR, make an appointment with the financial aid office. Your financial aid counselor will explain in depth all the options available, including additional resources for scholarship applications.
Apply, apply, apply. Each year billions of dollars of scholarship funds are not awarded because students do not take the time to apply. It usually involves a little research and writing an essay, but it can be well worth the effort. Begin your scholarship search at www.fastweb.org. Also, if you have an athletic or musical skill, many schools give performance-based scholarships
Contact the school guidance counselor’s office or the financial aid office of the school of your choice for any questions you may have.
Student Financial Services
La Sierra University
800-874-5587; 951-785-2175
www.lasierra.edu
Pacific Union College
800-862-7080, option #1
www.puc.edu
