Pay for college
Paying for College
A college education is one of the greatest investments you can make in your future. A college degree almost guarantees that you will earn more than someone without a degree. It will also enrich your life in other ways --- the people you meet, the classes you take, and the experiences of a lifetime.
College is affordable. While some colleges have higher tuition than others, don't cross any colleges off your list because of price.
You already know how important a college degree can be to your future. But with the cost of a college education growing faster than most people can keep up with, finding a way to pay for it may not be so obvious.
Fortunately, there’s a lot of help out there when it comes to affording college. And whether college is a long way off for your family or its right around the corner, there are things you can do to make sure that you get all the help you can.
Virginia colleges and universities are dedicated to helping students find a way to finance their education. We encourage you to contact our college financial aid offices with any questions you may have. Click here to get a list of Virginia's financial aid officers.
A Step By Step Guide for Applying for Financial Aid
- Start search as early as possible.
- Search for a college.
- Search for "free money".
- Apply as early as possible.
- After applying for admission, file your forms.
- Get the forms, know the deadlines. Different colleges have different deadlines.
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. You can obtain a copy of the FAFSA form from your high school, local college, or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Complete any supplemental aid application or institutional aid application that the college requires.
- File any other applicable forms, such as a housing or meal plan applications, by the deadlines.
- You've been accepted.
- Compare the financial aid award packages carefully. The award packages from each school will vary, yet each will provide information on how much federal, institutional, and state aid you are eligible for. Take the time, with your parents, to compare the packages and follow up with the individual financial aid offices if you have any questions. The moment has come! Choose the school you want to attend and accept in writing. Decline all other offers, in writing.
- Don't forget to follow through.
- Accept your award package
- Choose your student loan lender.
- Submit your student loan applications.
- You're on your way.
- Attend your entrance interivew. When you borrow for the first time, you must attend an entrance interview before money is disbursed. Your financial aid advisor can give you details.
- Sign for the money (if required). The money will be sent to your school electronically or by check. Some schools apply the money to your tuition bill automatically. Others will request you sign for the money. Keep good records and get a great education!
