Financial Aid & Scholarships

What Type of Federal Student Aid Might I Get?

- 8 Steps to the Financial Aid Process -

There are three types of federal student aid:

•ü   ü   Grants - financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).

•ü   ü   Work Study - allows you to earn money for your education.

•ü   ü   Loans - allow you to borrow money for school. You must repay your loans, with interest.

Seniors applying for scholarships and financial aid should plan to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) in January.  If you choose to file the application on-line both the student and a parent will need to have a PIN number for their electronic signatures.  You may apply for this at any time at www.pin.ed.gov and you will receive it through the mail within a couple of weeks.  Having your PIN number in advance will simplify the application process in January.  You will need estimated or final tax information for 2006 to complete the form. The priority filing deadline is February 14^th . 

FAFSA Forms -

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

"Financial Aid Basics" pdf file: https://financialaid.arizona.edu/podcasts/handouts/06-10-FinancialAidBasics.pdf

Financial Aid - www.financialaidtips.org

www.collegesavings.org
Sponsored by the National Association of State Treasurers, this website provides information for various college savings programs and resources (e.g. Links, state and federal initiatives, tax-exemption, etc.).

Student Loan Funding Resources, Inc. - http://www.studentloanfunding.com

Financing Your Child's Future: A Parent's Guide to Planning and Paying for College  
This guide for parents highlights the financing options for paying for their child's education, explains the pros and cons for various financing options, provides a helpful checklist for staying on track with college preparation, and encourages parents and their children to work together when planning to finance a college education.

Steps to Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing and Paying for College  
This brochure for high school juniors and seniors and their families features an overview of the financial aid process and types of financial aid available, as well as helpful resources such as an award letter comparison worksheet and glossary of financial aid terms.

Tuition 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding your Undergraduate Education  
This guide for undergraduates outlines federal and private student loan options, steps to apply for financial aid and scholarships, and tips for budgeting and reducing expenses while in school.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a form of financial aid awarded to qualified students on the basis of academic performance (e.g. grades, test scores, course curriculum), competition, particular skills, financial need, or a combination of unique circumstances.  These awards can come in the form of cash or a tuition reduction waiver. Usually, no repayment is required if academic obligations are met.

Where can I find scholarships?

•ü   ü Scholarship Newsletter - scholarship opportunities that come to Agua Fria through the Career Center office. Many of these are local and are more applicable to our student population.  The Scholarship Newsletter can be found in the Carrer Center in the library, on the Career Center webpage, and in your counselor's office.

•ü   ü   Internet   - There are many free online scholarship search databases. Based on information that you provide about yourself, they will match you with those schoalrships that you may be eligible to receive.

•§ § www.brokescholar.com

•§ § www.fastweb.com

•§ § www.scholarships.com

•Ø   Ø   **Hint: Open a new email address solely for the purpose of scholarship searching via the web. This will help to avoid unwanted advertisements and spam being sent to your primary email account.

•ü   ü   Local Libraries - Vist the college resource section of your library. You should find a great selection of scholarship books in addition to other information related to the college application process.

•ü   ü   Your Employer/Your Parents; Employer(s) -  If you work, your employer may offer scholarship opportunities that you can take advantage of. Additionally, many businesses and corporations also offer scholarships or loans to employees and their children.

•ü   ü   Public and Private Organizations - Many community service organizations, churches and national foundations offer scholarships.  Some are based on financial need, but many others are based on academics, leadership, special talent, community service, or heritage.  Others offer aid to students majoring in fields related to the company's products or services.  Check out every option. Do your own search and don't forget to research those organizations with which you or your parents are affiliated.

•ü   ü   The College or University you plan to attend - Search your college's website/catalog and financial aid office for information on scholarships they offer. Many schools have an internal application that has to be completed each year. You may also want to check with individual departments on campus to see if they offer scholarships aside from the financial aid office.

Scholarship Scam Info - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/

Board of Regents High Honors Tuition Waiver Scholarship

Class of 2013 & Beyond

Qualified students will receive a 25% Fixed In-State university tuition scholarship for one year following high graduation. The scholarship is renewable for four years based upon university-determined criteria. The actual dollar amount of the scholarship will vary based upon the tuition charged by the state university in which they have enrolled.

Program Criteria:

In order qualify for tuition waiver, students must meet the following criteria:

Part 1:

Students must complete all 16 Core Competency Courses by graduation with a B* or better in each course OR receive an acceptable score (*See table 1) on the Advanced Placement (AP) Test OR on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Test for that subject area.

(16 Core Competency Courses: 4 units English; 4 units Math; 3 units Lab Science; 2 units Social Science; 2 units Foreign Language; and 1 unit Fine Arts, as defined by the Arizona Board of Regents Tri-University Admission requirements )

* A "C" in a weighted course (Honors or Advanced Placement course) does not convert to a "B". The grade is as reflected on the student's transcript.

AND

Part 2 (GPA/Class Rank):

Students must meet at least one of the following academic requirements:

• Option 2 - Class Rank: Student is in the top 5% of high school graduating class upon graduation.

AND

Part 3 (AIMS Exams - Reading, Writing and Math):

Students must meet at least one of the following assessment options:

• Option 1: EXCEED Standards on all 3 of the AIMS HS exams by the end of their junior year.
• Option 2: EXCEED Standards on 2 of the AIMS exams and MEET Standards on 1 of the AIMS exams by the end of their junior year. Additionally, students would need to receive a minimum score of 3 on two different Advanced Placement exams or a minimum score of at least 4 on two International Baccalaureate exams.  AP/IB exams may be taken during the senior year.

 AND (NEW FOR THE CLASS OF 2013 and beyond)

Part 4 (ACT/SAT1): Students must meet at least one of the following admissions test options and submit scores to the univerisities they apply to:

• Option 1:  At least 28 on the ACT test
• Option 2: At least 1300 on the SAT1 test (critical reading & math, excluding essay)

*Table 1 & Table 2 are available on the website at:  http://www.azed.gov/endorsement-tuition-scholarship/

 For more information: http://www.ade.state.az.us/asd/tuitionwaiver/