The basics about paying for college 1. Financial Aid – What is it?
2. How can you get financial aid?
3. What are different types of aid that I can get for school?
4. What is factored into the Cost of Attendance (COA)?
5. What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
6. If you are an undocumented student here are some tips to help pay for college:
*Important to note – April or May after applying AND when you are admitted, you will receive financial aid award letters from universities and colleges.
© 2010 UC Berkeley, Center for Educational Partnerships
Talking points for Presenter 1. Financial Aid – What is it? Money that helps you pay for school – Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work-study
2. How can you get financial aid? Fill out the FAFSA and Remember those deadlines too! Apply for the Cal Grant – Complete a GPA verification form Apply for as many scholarships as possible – Important to be involved! Work and save Work study Working off of campus Save as soon as you can 3. What are different types of aid that I can get for school? Grants and Scholarships This is money you do not have to pay back Some you have to apply for, others are given to you through the FAFSA Institutional Scholarships – Blue and Gold Scholarship for the U.C.s Loans Subsidized Unsubsidized Private Parent Work Study Allows you to work while going to school You can put this money toward school expenses. 4. What is factored into the Cost of Attendance (COA)? Tuition Room/board Books and supplies Personal expenses and transportation Create a student budget and see if you can stick to it! 5. What is Expected Family Contribution EFC? It is the amount that the government says your family should contribute to your education. Sometimes an EFC can actually be 0, and the rest of the cost to attend a college is figured out through financial aid. The more a school costs, the more aid is available. © 2010 UC Berkeley, Center for Educational Partnerships
6. If you are an undocumented student here are some tips to help pay for college: Apply for as many scholarships and possible Look into private schools and Ivy Leagues AB540 7. Explain the importance of waiting for all admitted letters with financial aid packages to make a final decision. 8. Blue and Gold Plan: households under $60,000 guaranteed free tuition at UC’s and Ivy Leagues. There are similar scholarships available at other public and private universities like CSU’s and private 4 year schools. 9. Deadlines for Financial Aid: March 2nd
© 2010 UC Berkeley, Center for Educational Partnerships