How to Pay for College

Filling Out the Forms
Financial aid funds can be limited, so it’s important to apply early. The first step is to apply for admission to the campus of your choice and then complete the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. Read the instructions carefully and keep copies of everything you send. The FAFSA may be obtained either at your high school guidance counselor’s office, the college admission or financial aid office, or on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Follow the instructions carefully in completing the FAFSA form. Information from federal tax returns should be used to complete it. Clearly indicate which institution(s) should receive your financial information and use the appropriate Title IV code number(s). When your FAFSA form has been evaluated, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), and the colleges you listed will receive the same information.

To receive more information about tax credits, the FAFSA’s application and the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Aid Program, visit www.studentaid.ed.gov or http://mystudentloanonline.nd.gov/.

The campus then will determine the amount and type of aid it can offer you and will send you a letter. Award letters are usually sent out in the late spring or early summer. Remember to contact your guidance counselor’s office to pursue other private aid programs. Note that there are deadlines for requesting more information about private sources of financial aid. Some guidance counselors in the state are recommending using FastWeb at fastweb.com.