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FINANCIAL AID

General Information

 

 

One of the best places to start your scholarship search is with the college you want to attend.

 

Each year, students across the country are denied their chance to attend college simply because they can't afford the rising costs of higher education. Financial Aid helps to bridge the gap between what students and parents can afford and what education actually costs. Usually a combination of grants, loans, and family funds are necessary to cover the total cost of a college education.

 

Fortunately, VFIC member institutions consider providing financial aid to students as their main priority. Throughout this website, there is information regarding over 800 VFIC scholarships that are given to our member institutions each year. There is also information on loans for students and parents: Stafford Loans- Federal Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL), Federal Perkins Loans, PLUS and Consolidation Loans. There is also information about grants (financial aid you do not have to repay): Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). Throughout this website there are suggestions for steps students and parents can take to secure the financial help they need.

 

In addition to information provided on this site, the following individuals and organizations are good sources of information and advice about financial aid:

 

  • High school counselors can help you research sources of aid and complete college application and financial aid forms.

  • College financial aid officers have information on a variety of aid packages for which you may be eligible.

  • State financial aid offices can provide you with information about the types of financial aid they offer. Contact your local board of education for information.

  • Libraries have books on financial aid that is available from private, state, and federal sources.

  • Employers may offer employee tuition benefits and assistance for family members. Several million dollars in employee education benefits go unused each year.

  • Other sources of financial aid include corporations/business, professional associations, philanthropic organizations, credit unions, labor unions, religious organizations, fraternities and sororities, and civic organizations. As the college years approach, students and parents need to be alert to announcements for financial support offered by these organizations.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Some major types of assistance are:

  • Grants and scholarships - the best kinds of aid because they do not have to be repaid. Sources include the federal government, states, colleges, and private organizations. Most scholarships or fellowships have condition of qualification and fulfillment.

  • Work-study programs - arranged by the school's financial aid office to provide students with an opportunity to earn income and gain experience. The award may be provided by private sources through the school or be part of the Federal Work-Study program, which encourages community service or work related to the student's major studies.

  • Loans - include most assistance that must be repaid by students or their families. Federal loans are the most common source of education loans and, with the exception of Stafford Loans, are based on financial need. Federal loans frequently carry low interest rates and attractive repayment conditions such as not charging interest while students are in school.