Looking for Student Aid Federal, State, and Other Sources of Information Sources of Free Information About Student Aid * Where should I begin my search? The financial aid office at the school you plan to attend is the best place to begin your search for free information. The financial aid administrator can tell you about student aid available from the federal government, your state government, the school itself, and other sources. You can also find free information about student aid in the reference section of your local library (usually listed under "student aid" or "financial aid"). These materials usually include information about federal, state, institutional, and private aid. * Where can I get free information about _federal_ student aid? The major source of student financial aid is the U.S. Department of Education. Nearly 70 percent of the student aid that is awarded each year comes from the U.S. Department of Education programs (approximately $23.4 billion in 1992-93). Student aid is also available from other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Public Health Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The free student financial aid materials available in the financial aid office at your school include The Student Guide, a free booklet about financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also request The Student Guide or the FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free: 1-800-4 FED AID (1-800-433-3243) (TDD 1-800-730-8913) Monday-Friday, 9:00 to 5:30 EST The Center's operators can answer your questions about federal student aid programs, filing an application, and application processing. Sources of AID in 92-93: + (estimated $ in billions) U.S. Department of Education Federal Pell Grants 6 Federal Campus Based Aid 2 Federal Stafford, SLS, PLUS 15 Other Sources Other Federal 2 State Grants 2 School & Other 7 + Based on statistics from "Trends in Student Aid" with permission of The College Board. The major sources of aid from the U.S. Department of Education are: * Federal Stafford Loans * Federal PLUS Loans * Federal Pell Grants * Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants * Federal Perkins Loans * Federal Work-Study You may apply for federal student aid from these programs at no cost by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Most federal student aid is awarded based on financial need rather than scholastic achievement. For instance, most grants are targeted to low- income students. However, keep in mind that you do not have to show financial need to receive federally guaranteed loans such as PLUS or unsubsidized Stafford loans. * Where can I get free information about _state_ student aid? Free information about state programs may be obtained from the state education agency (usually in the capital of your state). The Federal Student Aid Information Center also has information about many state student aid programs. Call the Center to get the phone numbers for your state. * What are some other sources of information about student aid? Information about student aid may also be available form foundations, religious organizations, community organizations, and civic groups, as well as organizations related to your field of interest, such as the American Medical Association or the American Bar Association. Check with your parents' employers to see if they award scholarships or have a tuition payment plan. Scholarship Search Services Some high schools and colleges provide a scholarship search service free or at low cost. Check to find out if your school provides this service. There are also many privately operated scholarship search services, which charge fees that may range from $50 to $150 or more. These services usually provide computerized lists of sources of private and other financial aid that you may apply for. It is important to understand what information scholarship search services can provide. They may be helpful in identifying sources of aid for students who meet certain criteria, such as academic achievement, religious affiliation, ethnic or racial heritage, artistic talents, athletic ability, career plans, or proposed field of study. However, bear in mind that funds from these sources may be limited and not all applicants will receive awards. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education receives numerous complaints from students and parents who did not receive the information they expected from a search service. Don' t be fooled by the claim that millions of dollars in student aid go unclaimed every year. The large figures you may hear or read about usually represent an estimated national total of employee benefits or member benefits. Usually, such benefits are available only to the employees and families of a specific company, or to the members of a specific union or other organization. Listed below are some of the services you might reasonably expect from a private scholarship search service. * Most scholarship search services provide a list of "sources" of financial assistance you may apply for; search services do not, in most cases, provide any awards directly to applicants. * After studying the list, you would then send a separate application to each "source" you are interested in; the scholarship search service does not apply on your behalf or pay any additional application fees that may be required. * Some search services include federal student aid in their list of sources; however, please remember that you can find out about federal student aid without paying a fee to a search service. * Some sources on the list may have early application deadlines or limited funds; awards for a specific academic year may have already been made before you apply. * Many search services offer to refund your fee if you do not receive any award. However, some services require you to first provide a rejection letter from every source on the list to claim your refund. The U.S. Department of Education does not evaluate private scholarship search services. If you decide to use one of these services, you may check its reputation by contacting the Better Business Bureau or a State Attorney General's Office