How to Get Help Paying for College
In the United States, free public education usually ends after the age of 18. Attending post-secondary school costs money for tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. While many students defray some of the costs with their own paychecks or help from parents, financial aid can make attending school a lot more for affordable for many families.
How to Qualify for Financial Aid
To establish whether you qualify for financial aid for college in Fort Collins, the first step is a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. As the name implies, you do not have to pay anything to fill out this form, and you can find it online at FAFSA.ed.gov. If you are still a dependent, you will need a parent’s help because he or she will need to supply income details too.
Depending upon income, you may qualify for a variety of types of assistance from the federal government.
- Federal Pell grants: These are gifts, and you do not have to pay them back.
- Federal direct student loans: Students may qualify for subsidized student loans, unsubsidized student loans, or a combination of both.
- Parent Plus loans: Parents of dependents may also qualify for loans to help their children pay for a Fort Collins college.
- Work study programs: In place of loans, you may qualify for a part-time job either on the campus or in a community organization.
Even if you are not sure if you can qualify for need-based financial assistance, fill out the FAFSA anyway. Some schools also use these forms as the basis for awarding their own grants, scholarships, and other forms of assistance.
As a caution, make sure you visit the official FAFSA website to fill out your form. Some advertisers cleverly disguise their websites to look official, but they may just be gateways to an expensive financial aid matching service that you may not require.
Contact Us for Help
At IBMC College, we are eager to help you choose the right program and help you learn the best options for financing your education. Contact us right away to schedule a tour of the campus and a visit with the financial aid office.
