# data[].attributes.body
http://uhcc.hawaii.edu/financial/

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http://www.yourdictionary.com/merit

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http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/hireapirate/

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http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/457AD52D/How-to-Compare-Financial-Aid-Packages/

http://www.collegequest.com/different-types-of-financial-aid-for-college.aspx

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How do you apply for financial aid?

Online at fafsa.gov is faster and easier than using paper.

What is FAFSA? When can you apply for this and what is the deadline? What information is needed to complete the FAFSA application?

FAFSA is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1, 2016 and midnight Central Time, June 30, 2017

The 2015-2016 School Year is from July 1st, 2015 – June 30th, 2016

you will need: Your Social Security Number. Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) Your most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned.

What is a financial aid package?

Financial aid package is a collection of different types of financial aid from multiple sources. It is intended to help you fill the gap between your ability to pay, your expected family contribution or EFC, and college costs, or the cost of attendance or COA.

How do you compare financial aid packages from different colleges?

The hunt for a college scholarship doesn’t necessarily end when you get into college. Because your financial needs may change, and the aid you’re awarded can change each year, stay on the lookout for new scholarships. There is a college scholarship for nearly every kind of college student, and the more you find, the easier time you’ll having paying for college.

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What is financial aid?

Helps students and their families pay for college

Different  categories of financial aid (Merit-based, Need-based, Gift aid, Self-help aid.)

Merit-based: is one that is given for a student's academic, athletic, or artistic ability.

Need-based:They then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). They subtract your EFC from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need.

Gift aid: financial aid that does not require repayment, such as student grants and scholarships.

Self help aid: includes work opportunities and loans, and is called self-help because the individual takes responsibility for receiving this type of aid.

Specific types of financial aid (Scholarships and grants, Merit Awards, Loans, Student Employment programs.)

Scholarships: academic study or achievement; learning of a high level.

Grants:  payment made to support a student's education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement.

Merit awards: is an excellent achievement, honor, value or quality that is deserving of approval. An example of merit is someone receiving an award for their charity work.

Loans: a thing that is borrowed, especially a sum of money that is expected to be paid back with interest.

Student employment programs: provides support to the entire campus and community throughout the hiring process of ECU student employees.

How is eligibility of need-based aid determined?

They then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). They subtract your EFC from your coast of attendance  to determine the amount of your financial need.