programs Minnie Stevens Piper Compendium

Think You Cannot Afford College?

Think You Cannot Afford College?

You can continue your education after high school even if you and your parents cannot meet the total educational costs of post-secondary education, be it college, university, vocational or technical institute.

Money is available on a first-come-first-served basis to those who apply. This financial assistance may be in the following forms:

Scholarships

These are generally awarded based on academic ability, results of standardized tests (I.Q., SAT®, ACT, National Merit, etc.). Scholarships do not have to be repaid, and a STUDENT DOES NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE A STRAIGHT "A" STUDENT TO QUALIFY.

Awards/Grants

These are awarded for specific reasons (minority student, winning a photography contest, speech contest, etc.). These do not have to be repaid.

Jobs/Work-Study

Employment on-or off-campus. Wages are paid directly to the student or credited to their account (see Federal Work-Study Program listed under "Federal Programs" and Texas College Work- Study Program listed under "State Programs").

Educational Loans

Educational loans are from various sources (see Loans "State" and "Federal" programs). Banks, foundations, unions, etc. also have loan programs. These loans usually have a lower rate of interest and must be repaid. Some loans will not require repayment until after you have completed your education. REMEMBER: Borrowing for educational expenses may be a necessity, but it may very well be the best investment you will ever make in your lifetime!

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

A convenient Net Price Calculator is provided on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s webpage to allow the general public the ability to research an estimated net price for the institution they plan to attend. This calculation is based on the individual student’s circumstances and is an estimated net cost of attendance for the first-time entering full-time student. This net price calculation is defined as the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) minus estimated grant and scholarship aid: Net Price Calculator

Some Places To Contact For Money For College

1. College/University Financial Aid Officer - This person controls about ninety percent (90%) of all student financial aid available. Please contact the Financial Aid Office of the college/university or vocational/technical institute you wish to attend EARLY, about ten (10) months prior to entrance.
2. Institutional Scholarships - Various departments at a college (Art, English, History, Math, etc.) may offer scholarships to students enrolled in specific majors. Contact your major department at your choice of college.
3. Special Programs/Grants - Various colleges have special programs or awards for specific groups of students (e.g., special assistance programs for minority students, church-related awards for members of a certain religious affiliation, dependents of a clergyman, etc.).
4. Community Organizations - Many offer scholarships, grants, awards, loans, etc. Check with your local organizations.
5. Business Firms/Unions/Ex-Military - Various businesses, especially large companies, have scholarships, grants, or awards for dependents of their employees, or in some cases, for anybody. The same holds true for some unions. Military or ex-military organizations are also in this category.
6. Foundations - Check with your local foundations. Many offer grants, scholarships, and/or loans.
7. Educational Loans - Loans are sometimes available at lower interest (compared to a regular "personal loan") from credit unions, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, etc.
8. Advanced Placement (AP®) and Credit - Save money and time through your high school and/or college (see page 10 for details).

APPLY EARLY FOR FINANCIAL AID!

FAFSA forms are available as early as October 1
www.studentaid.gov/sa/fafsa