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Region 5 Financial Aid Night at Woodson HS on Oct 10, 2024

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Region 5 Financial Aid Night at Woodson HS on Oct 10, 2024

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Please stay tuned for more info!

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Study out-of-state in a specialized field. Pay in-state tuition.

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Study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college. Pay in-state tuition rates.

Note on COVID-19

SREB staff is aware of temporary institutional closures and moving face-to-face courses into an online format. A student's Academic Common Market status will not be affected by courses being moved online or by temporary closures due to coronavirus/COVID-19. Students should check with both their institutional and state ACM coordinators for any updates to policies or practices related to the pandemic.

Is a degree program you'd like to pursue not available in your state? Is out-of state tuition a barrier to a major offered at a college in another state?

You're in the right place. For more than 35 years, SREB's Academic Common Market has enabled students to pursue out-of-state college degrees at in-state tuition rates, through agreements among the states and colleges and universities.

Search from more than 1,900 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 15 states.

To qualify, you must:

Be a resident of one of 15 participating SREB states.

Select a program eligible for residents of your home state.

Complete the admission process at the institution that offers the program.

Be certified as a resident of your home state by contacting your state's ACM coordinator.

Read the ACM brochure for more details.

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Academic Common Market - Southern Regional Education Board

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Study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college. Pay in-state tuition rates. Note on COVID-19 SREB staff is aware of temporary institutional closures and moving face-to-face courses into an online format. A student's Academic Common Market status will not be affected by courses being moved online or by temporary closures due to coronavirus/COVID-19.

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Video: Understanding Financial Aid Offers & Paying the College Bill

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Video: Understanding Financial Aid Offers & Paying the College Bill

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Understanding Financial Aid Offers & Paying the College Bill

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This webinar provides valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision.

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Understanding your Financial Aid Award Letter

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Understanding your Financial Aid Award Letter

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Please contact customer support with any questions about CSS Profile.

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What to Bring to a VASA Appointment 2023_24

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Spanish_What to Bring to a VASA Appointment_23_24_

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Benefits/Financial Aid for Military Families

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Benefits/Financial Aid for Military Families

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Merit aid is financial aid awarded to students on the basis of their academic or extracurricular accomplishments, rather than their financial need. The following table indicates the percentage of incoming freshmen receiving merit aid at more than 300 of America's selective colleges, as well as the average merit award received. We also included the average Cost of Attendance (COA), a figure that includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. For more information on how to position yourself to receive merit aid, visit our blog post on the subject.

Data was collected from each institution's 2021-22 Common Data Set, the most recent year for which such data is made available.
Table updated on November 2022

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Merit aid is financial aid awarded to students on the basis of their academic or extracurricular accomplishments, rather than their financial need. The following table indicates the percentage of incoming freshmen receiving merit aid at more than 300 of America's selective colleges, as well as the average merit award received.

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VASA - Virginia Alternative State Aid Application

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VASA - Virginia Alternative State Aid Application

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How to complete the VASA Video

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Need help completing your CSS Profile? Watch our quick overview to navigate the process and check out our other resources, like the Frequently Asked Questions, to find more information.

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Need help completing your CSS Profile? Watch our quick overview to navigate the process and check out our other resources, like the Frequently Asked Questions, to find more information.

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Want to find an affordable college? Check out the College Scorecard.

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Want to find an affordable college? Check out the College Scorecard.

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Want to find an affordable college? There’s a website for that

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The U.S. Department of Education has updated its College Scorecard — a trove of college-based performance data meant to help prospective students choose the best school for them.

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Explaining Student Loan Debt to a 17 Year Old

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Explaining Student Loan Debt to a 17 Year Old

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Explaining Student Loan Debt to a 17-Year-Old

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How do student loans work? Helping your teen understand this reality is vital if you want them to avoid taking out too much in student loan debt for college.

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This webinar introduces the nuts and bolts of the CSS Profile, a financial aid application required by roughly 200 colleges, universities, and scholarship agencies across the country.

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36 Companies That Pay For College – estudentloan

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One of the perfect ways to pay for college is to find companies with tuition reimbursement. This has never been more important than now, with college costs on the rise. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, for the 2018 to 2019 academic year, average undergraduate tuition, fees,…

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Learn tips and strategies on how to make more informed financial decisions around managing money, saving and paying for higher education, and repaying student loan debt.

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Understanding your Financial Aid Offer episodes

Listen to the "Understanding your Financial Aid Offer" Podcast Series to learn more about understanding your financial aid offer letter and tools to help you plan your college expenses. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard tool, best practices to complete the FAFSA®, and how the CFPB's Grad Path tool can help you plan your college expenses. We spoke with experts at the U.S. Department of Education, and CFPB who have experience helping families navigate paying for college and finding their academic fit. Tune in to learn more!

Managing Your Student Loans episodes

Listen to the "Managing Your Student Loans" podcast series to learn more about managing student loans and money while in college, the VBA GI Bill® Comparison Tool and Your Financial Path to Graduation Tool, and postgraduate degree repayment options. We spoke with a current college student, the VBA's Executive Director of Education Service, and a medical resident who have a wealth of knowledge and real-life experiences managing money as a young adult and postgraduate degree professional. Tune in to learn more!

Managing Your Money episodes

Listen to the "Managing Your Money" podcast series to find out more about financing your future and paying for higher education, managing money as a young adult and understanding and protecting your credit. We spoke with three experts who have a wealth of knowledge and practical experience helping young adults navigate these financial areas. Tune in to learn more!

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Financial inTuition Podcast | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

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Listen to the "Understanding your Financial Aid Offer" Podcast Series to learn more about understanding your financial aid offer letter and tools to help you plan your college expenses. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard tool, best practices to complete the FAFSA®, and how the CFPB's Grad Path tool can help you plan your college expenses.

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Comparing Financial Aid Offers Worksheet

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Comparing Financial Aid Offers Worksheet

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Comparing Financial Aid Offers  04-06-21

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By Sallie Mae

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Tackle school and money decisions with confidence thanks to tips from experts. Visit the Sallie Mae Within Reach blog today to start planning for your future.

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Determine your estimated college costs

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Use the College Cost Calculator provided by MEFA to help estimate college costs and the balance due at each prospective college of your choice.

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Free support for FCPS students

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Understanding FAFSA (2022)

Do you need money to go to college? This is the first step if you want financial aid from the federal and state government or most colleges. Filling out the FAFSA can be overwhelming. Don't worry. There is a lot of help!
Click here to download the PDF.
Translations into many other languages are now available here.

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Student & a parent should each get an FSA ID prior to the December FAFSA opening date. Click here for important information regarding the 2024-25 FAFSA (for Seniors graduating Spring 2024). Preparing

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In multiple languages

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(And the Adults Who Help Them)

This guide is designed to help students and families navigate the U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in their quest to get financial aid for college. The guide will be particularly useful for students who are among the first in their family to go to college, or are new to the country. We hope that educators and counselors will make use of the guide. Please Download the PDF and share it widely. See below for more information.

Additional Languages

More information for educators and families

Who is the Guide For?

This guide was designed to be a friendly, accessible guide for high school students who are applying to college and beginning their all-important quest for financial aid.

We hope that it will be helpful to students, families and the many caring adults in schools and communities who help families navigate the U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA form is the first step for nearly all students seeking financial support to go to college. Understanding the form and handling it confidently is crucial for college matriculation and success.

How Can the Guide Help?

This guide was written in partnership with experienced college guidance and financial aid professionals. It is easy to read and answers many questions that students have. The guide explains how to prepare for the form, what kinds of questions will be asked, and why the government needs the information on parents, families and income. We hope the guide will demystify the FAFSA form and make it less intimidating for both students and adults.

Where Can I Learn More?

Start with the U.S. Department of Education's FAFSA website. This website allows families to submit the form electronically and offers step-by-step answers to most common questions. The FAFSA website also provides access to free expert help, either on-line or on the phone.

The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website is also a rich source of information about the FAFSA and other financial aid issues. This website explains the various types of financial aid that are available, who qualifies for aid and how to apply.

Free print copies of the FAFSA How-To Guide are available during the FAFSA season, while they last. Please e-mail Kim Nauer at nauerk[at]newschool.edu at the Center for New York City Affairs to learn more. We also welcome your feedback and inquiries. Contact us if we can be helpful in any way.

The FAFSA How-To Guide and website were made possible with support from the Capital One Bank, which is committed to empowering students and providing resources for their academic futures.

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(And the Adults Who Help Them) This guide is designed to help students and families navigate the U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in their quest to get financial aid for college. The guide will be particularly useful for students who are among the first in their family to go to college, or are new to the country.

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Nearly one-third of college students are low-income, and most don't know the resources and programs that can help them. If you're a college student in need, use these key resources to get help both inside and outside of the classroom.

Written By

last updated

There's a strong correlation between income and academic performance; it can be hard to focus in the classroom when you're worried about what you're going to eat or where you're going to live. According to research by Temple University faculty, nearly one-third of all undergraduate college students live in a low-income situation, and 36% reported they don't have enough to eat on a daily basis. What's more, 57% of students who qualify for food assistance programs either don't take advantage of them, or don't even know they exist.

46%

of community college students struggle to pay for housing and utilities

The good news is that both colleges and the government have programs to assist college students in need. Boston College's Options Through Education program helps low-income, high-achieving students with tuition and living expenses for up to four years. The Phoenix Scholars Program at Stanford University connects students with professors and peers for mentorship and to build a professional network. And the government has Pell Grants and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to aid with tuition and food insecurity.

With so many undergraduates fighting to balance work, life, and school, it's important to collect and share as many resources as we can. This guide offers dozens of resources and programs low-income students can use to fight insecurity when it comes to food, clothing, housing, and tuition. Let's do everything we can to help these students succeed.

Are You a Low-Income College Student?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, a low-income college student is an individual whose family's taxable income for the previous year didn't exceed 150 percent of the poverty level. While anyone can fall under this line, there are three types of students who dip below it more than others:

Single parents
Today's single parents have to use their one income to take care of their kid/s. Raising a child by themselves may also limit how much they can work and earn money. In addition, some single parents may have to pay for a babysitter, nanny, or daycare.

First-generation college students
Since college graduates make more money on average than those without a college degree, first-generation college students often find themselves in a lower-income bracket. It may be more difficult navigating financial aid for these students, as well, if their parents are unable to help them.

Unaccompanied homeless youth
Homeless youth may have a modest income and/or lack a parent's income to help them out. When it comes to getting student loans, a lot of forms require a parent or guardian signature. The same goes for scholarships and grants. This can make the process of securing financial aid a difficult one.

Even if you don't fall into one of these categories, it's important to keep in mind that no one is immune to financial hardship. But that shouldn't stop you from going to college. Everyone should have the opportunity to attend. The following resources can help.

45 Key Resources for Low-Income Students

According to the federal Government Accountability Office, more than half of college students qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but don't take advantage of it. That's nearly 2 million students who aren't getting the food security they need. This is just one example of where low-income or at-risk students need information, help, and resources more than ever. Here are 45 resources, programs, and portals to get you started, categorized by need:

Academic Preparation

According to the U.S. Department of Education, some low-income schools may not prepare students well enough for college success. This means these students may need academic support in order to succeed at the college level. Thankfully, there's plenty of help available. Here are some free academic preparation and support resources:

Academic advisors:
Academic advisors help low-income students in many ways. From identifying skillsets to recommending tutors and programs to help them succeed, academic advisors can be a student's life jacket during a difficult, confusing time. They may even recommend which majors may be a good fit for the student, as well as which ones they may want to avoid.

Academic skill centers:
Academic skill centers help students refine the skills that they need to succeed in college. This could include receiving math or writing tutoring, learning time management or test-taking skills, and even getting help with graduate school applications and tests. These are free services on many campuses, so income is no barrier.

Tutors:
Tutors are older students, graduates, or adults who help students with homework and study for tests. This can be any subject, though it's often general subjects like English, math, or science. Many colleges offer tutoring services for free, which can especially be beneficial for low-income students who can't otherwise afford it.

Writing centers:
Writing centers are places on campus that students can go to get help on papers or to work on papers. It doesn't have to be a paper for your English class, either. Any paper that involves writing, regardless of the subject, typically qualifies. These centers are often free, making them ideal for low-income students.

A good advisor or mentor can make all the difference. They can guide you in decision-making in college and in life. They're there to listen, understand what you're going through, and help you get what you need. Here's who you should seek out at your school for mentoring or advice:

Graduate assistants:
Graduate assistants are grad students who provide support to the department often in exchange for tuition assistance or aid. Part of this includes teaching or helping teach classes. If you have a graduate assistant in one of your classes, they can be a great resource for you, since they're students themselves and have been in your shoes.

Professors:
Professors can be more than just teachers. They can connect you with internships and jobs and give you general life advice. They're also understanding of low-income students' situations, so don't be afraid to speak up if you're facing challenges completing classwork. They want you to succeed and may be able to help.

School counselors:
School counselors do more than just help you with your class schedule. They can also help you find financial aid, apply for internships and jobs, and make sure you're on track to graduate. In addition, they may can connect low-income students with resources to succeed in college and in life.

Alumni networks:
Alumni networks are associations of graduates from a particular school. They organize networking events, publish newsletters about what graduates are doing, and connect graduates with each other for jobs. They're great for current students, too, if you want information on graduate life or access to an older mentor who was once where you are.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial aid and scholarships are important for low-income students. They ensure you can afford to attend college. But it may be difficult to find these opportunities or overwhelming to sift through the various information about financial aid and scholarships that exists on the internet. Here are some programs and resources to get you started:

Scholarships, scholarships, and more scholarships:
There are countless scholarships out there, many of which are specifically for low-income students. You can apply for as many as you want. The more you apply to, the higher your chances of landing one of them (or many). Some great websites to find scholarships include niche.com, scholarships.com, and fastweb.com.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
Another grant you may be able to qualify for is the FSEOG. This is a federal grant given to students who really need it. It doesn't need to be paid back. You can get anywhere from $100 to $4,000 a year, making it a great grant to add into your financial aid package.

According to a 2017 survey by Temple University, an estimated 36 percent of college students don't get enough to eat. Having the money to afford food can become even more difficult when you have a family, as can finding the time to balance both parenting and college. It can be done. Here are some resources to help:

Campus daycare:
If you're a parent, campus daycares are great for a number of reasons. For one, the cost is often very cheap, much more-so than other kinds of daycare. Another great thing is that the daycares are on your campus, so you won't have to go far to pick up your kid/s.

Financial Aid & FAFSA as a Homeless Student

If you're homeless, it can be difficult (but not impossible) to obtain financial aid. There are many reasons why this may be the case, including not knowing how to apply for financial aid and lacking support from family. This makes it harder to navigate financial aid, but it's not impossible to get it. Here's how to do it:

Step 2
Fill out the FAFSA, marking "yes" to the question about being homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless and unaccompanied.

Step 3
When filling out the FAFSA, enter a mailing address where you can receive mail (this could be a friend's house).

Step 4
Ask your school or a local shelter for a homeless youth determination.

Step 5
If you can't get a homeless youth determination, consult this guide (question #5) for further guidance.

The Huge Problem of Hidden Fees

Some low-income students do everything right. They get solid grades, pass their tests, and even land a scholarship. And then it happens: each school application has a $50 fee, or the school asks for $500 to secure their spot, or there's $350 for a down payment on housing before any financial aid has arrived. These fees cannot only add up, but they can prevent outstanding students in the lower income brackets from attending college altogether. Luckily, there are ways around these fees that can be extremely valuable for these students.

Waivers

Many colleges are sympathetic to low-income students and don't want their financial situations to get in the way of receiving an education. To help accommodate these kinds of students, there are a number of fees schools will waive, making it free for low-income and homeless students. Some of the fees waived may include:

College applications

Standardized tests (such as the SAT or GRE)

Textbooks, instruction manuals, and class supplies

Graduation fees (like caps and gowns)

Fees to access school records

Field trip expenses

Lab equipment rentals

Health services

And more!

Go to your school's website or ask a counselor what may be waived.

Emergency Aid

There are many colleges and private organizations that offer students emergency aid. This has to be an emergency situation though, which could include a sudden health emergency, unexpected loss of income, death in the family, risk of eviction, and other emergency situations. These are short-term loans, not to be used for ongoing situations, and all other options must be exhausted before getting emergency aid. To get an idea of what emergency aid programs look like, here are some schools that offer it that you can look into:

More Resources

Online Medical Assistant Programs with Financial Aid
Michael Hoffman

A former practicing attorney, Michael Hoffman has years of experience as a freelance journalist specializing in the research and writing of higher education content - from online learning to financial aid, and everything in between. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.

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One-third of college students are low-income, and more than half of them don't know about the programs that can help them the most. Here are 45 resources and programs every college student in need should use.