Financial Aid & Scholarships Recommended Resources
Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
Paying for college is an important part of the college planning process. Families are encouraged to begin exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities early and to use reputable resources to understand the options available.
Financial Aid Resources
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA is one of the most important steps in the financial aid process. All senior families are encouraged to complete the FAFSA during their student’s senior year, even if they do not expect to qualify for need-based aid. Colleges use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
FinAid provides information, advice, calculators, and tools to help families understand the different ways to pay for college.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Arizona residents may be eligible for reduced tuition rates through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) at participating colleges and universities throughout the West. Eligibility, participating schools, and application requirements vary, so families should review each institution’s policies carefully.
The Federal Student Aid website provides information about grants, scholarships, work-study, federal student loans, repayment, and other resources for families planning how to pay for college.
Scholarship Resources
Scholarships can help reduce the overall cost of college. Opportunities are available from colleges and universities, community organizations, foundations, businesses, professional associations, and other organizations.
Students should begin searching early and continue looking for opportunities throughout senior year. Keep track of eligibility requirements, application materials, and deadlines.
The College Board’s BigFuture Scholarship Search allows students to search for scholarship opportunities based on their individual qualifications and interests.
Fastweb provides a searchable database of scholarships and financial aid opportunities and can help students identify scholarships that match their qualifications.
CollegeScholarships.com provides scholarship search resources and information to help students identify potential scholarship opportunities.
College Depot Scholarship List
The Phoenix Public Library’s College Depot provides scholarship resources for students and families, including opportunities offered by local and national organizations.
Scholarship Search Tips
- Start early. Don’t wait until the final months of senior year to begin searching.
- Apply broadly. Look for scholarships based on academics, activities, community involvement, career interests, talents, and other qualifications.
- Watch deadlines. Keep a calendar or spreadsheet to track application deadlines and requirements.
- Check colleges directly. Many colleges offer institutional scholarships that require separate applications or have priority deadlines.
- Be cautious of scams. Legitimate scholarship opportunities should not require students to pay simply to apply.
A Note on College Affordability
Financial aid and scholarships are only part of the affordability conversation. Families should compare each college’s total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and other expenses. Understanding the difference between a college’s published cost and the amount a family may actually pay after grants and scholarships can help families make informed decisions.
Need help trying to figure out how to pay for college? The following companies have provided financial planning services for Great Hearts families.
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Hefar Group 602 396-7840 http://www.hefar.org/
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Monica Felton, 480 401-2616 The Elliott Group http://www.monicafelton.com/
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Ryon Frisch, Massachusetts Mutual P 480-638-2103
