Paying for college seems to get harder and harder each year.   As tuition prices continue to rise, families are forced to find ways to help pay for school.  College should be viewed as an investment, but regardless, any help out there is beneficial for families.  One of the most important documents you will need to fill out your senior year is the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  This federal government document will be used to determine if you are eligible for loans, grants or even some scholarships which are all money sources you should consider when trying to pay for school.  It takes a snapshot of you and your parent's income at that particular point in time.

Loan:  Money borrowed from the government or a financial institution that must be paid back.  Subsidized loans are available for financially needy students, which allow you to not collect interest while you are enrolled in higher education.  Unsubsidized loans are also an option, but interest will accrue while you are in school.

Grant:  This is free money that you do not have to pay back.  Grants are based on your financial need alone. Grades, test scores and talents do not factor into whether you get a grant or not.   Many grants are given on a first come, first serve basis, so it is important to apply early.

Scholarship:  Free money based on your grades, test scores, talents or attributes that are unique in some way.  Scholarships can be found independently, through your school of choice or by checking in the guidance office.  

Completing the FAFSA:

Starting in the school year 2020-21, to receive a diploma, a student must complete the FAFSA OR submit the FAFSA Nonparticipation Form.  The nonparticipation form can be completed ONLINE HERE (scroll to the bottom). 

A paper copy of the form can be found HERE or obtained from the high school counseling office.

You MUST create an FSA ID to begin the application. The student and parent need an ID. To obtain an FSA ID, click HERE. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that both the student and parent FSA IDs be created 2-3 days before the FAFSA form is started.

The FAFSA application can be found HERE.

• There will be an informational FAFSA meeting for parents on September 10th at 5:30 PM in the high school auditorium. 

• FAFSA workshop TBD. 

FAFSA Playlist for Parents (Informational videos about the FAFSA process).

Any questions can be directed to Mrs. Drish in the counseling center.

drishju@sherrard.us (309) 593-2175 Ext 1011