Pay for College
Financial aid is the money you receive from a variety of sources to cover the cost of your education. The good news is that, regardless of income, most people are eligible for some form of financial aid. Now is also the time to start learning about scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. There is no need to pay for scholarship and financial aid searches.
In general, financial aid is split up into two categories based on the reason the money is awarded:
- Achievement-based aid is awarded to students who have a special characteristic, skill, talent, or ability. Typically achievement-based aid is in the form of scholarships.
- Need-based aid is provided to students who demonstrate financial need. Most financial aid, particularly public-funded aid, is awarded on the basis of financial need determined through the application process and in accordance with a prescribed federal formula.
| 4 Basic Types of Financial Aid Programs Available | |
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Scholarships Gift assistance with no obligation for work or repayment |
Work-Study Part-time work while attending the institution |
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Grants Federal or state gift assistance with no obligation for work or repayment |
Loans Providing funds now, but with a future repayment obligation |
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Scholarship Search - Keyword search for scholarships
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Get Started Now - A step by step guide to financial aid
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What is the FAFSA & how do I apply? - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
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What Information Will You Need to Correctly Fill Out the FAFSA?
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FAFSA-on-the-Web - Use your Mentor information to auto-fill portions of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and submit online to the Dept. of Education.
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Interpreting Financial Aid Offers - Sample summary financial aid awards
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Financial Aid Checklist - Your final checklist
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Financial Aid Calculators - View various outcomes to saving and paying for college
- Financial aid resources specific to ethnic minority students
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Benefits for Other Groups/Populations - Additional information for veterans (and their families), disabled students, athletes, and military
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Saving for College (UESP) - Learn about ways of saving for college, and the tax benefits associated with it, through the Utah Educational Savings Plan, Utah's 529 college savings program
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Additional Resources - Additional credible financial aid resources
