Paying for School- Financial Aid 101
Paying for college may seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Financial aid can come from a variety of resources like federal or state funds, or private sources (like a loan or a scholarship). Below you will find listings that will help you understand how financial aid works, how to pay for college, and loans.
Types of Financial Aid
Loans Grants Scholarships Work-study
An education loan is financial aid that must be repaid with interest. With loans, you are borrowing money to pay for school.
-
Federal Financial Aid (degree seeking) FAFSA https://studentaid.gov/
-
FastForward FANTIC- provides funding for students demonstrating financial need who desire to enroll in an approved workforce training program leading to the attainment of an industry-recognized credential or licensure and are not eligible for other funding grants or financial assistance. This financial aid will pay 100% of the student’s portion for the program; however, per FastForward Guidelines, failure to complete the class will still require the applicant to repay one-third of the cost of the class.
-
VA Ready https://vaready.org/ - VA Ready’s goal is to reward Virginians who seize the moment and commit themselves to training for in-demand jobs. We’ve partnered with businesses across Virginia and Virginia’s Community Colleges and the FastForward Workforce Credential Program
-
G3 (for specific programs) https://www.vccs.edu/g3-at-virginias-community-colleges-begin-your-journey-to-an-in-demand-career/
A grant is a form of financial aid, given to students with signifcant financial need, that doesn’t have to be repaid https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
Some organizations may offer scholarships, or free money, to help students pay for college or career school.
-
Fast Web Scholarship Search https://www.fastweb.com/
-
The CollegeBoard- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-scholarships
Work-study is a program that helps you earn money for school with flexible part-time jobs.
How much does it cost to attend?
Tuition- https://www.vccs.edu/application-information/#tuition-fees
-
VA Domicile Info- An individual must demonstrate legal residence in Virginia with an intent to remain in Virginia indefinitely to establish domicile in Virginia. After meeting the requirements to establish domicile, a person must continue to be domiciled in Virginia for at least 12 months preceding the first day of classes.