Going to college is a big step for anyone in their life. Whether your fresh out of high school, have taken off a year, or are a returning adult, college is a large commitment. A pretty big issue for most people which prevents them or hinders their progress is paying for the tuition. There are so many people who avoid and don't even think about going to college because of the money that is invested into it. In my opinion if you are going to invest your money anywhere, it should be in education. To think that there are so many people do not know there is aid out there to help with the costs of going to school are astounding! Although we are in bad economic times, that does not mean that there is no aid out there, it just means that the help may be harder to come by.

People with great need for aid, ususally do not need to contribute money into paying for school. There are government programs out there that can help, especially if your running low in the green department. Even if you are not eligible for federal aid there are many other ways that you can get your hands on some money to pay for school.

Most people still do not know that there is financial aid out there, and it is everywhere. Financial aid, for the most part is funding provided by the federal and state governments to assist students with their educational expenses. Most colleges and universities will expect you and your family to cover the expenses and contribute, but having financial aid closes the gap between your resources and college costs.

How to get financial aid

You apply for most financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA. One of the key things when applying for the FAFSA are the fact that you need to apply early and meet all of the deadlines because if you want your hands on some aid, you need to be on top of the deadlines because like I stated above, funds are limited!

Types of Financial Aid

• Federal Pell Grants - These are awarded generally to low-income students working on a bachelor's degree.
• Federal Academic Competitivness Grants- Are for students in their first or second year of undergraduate study, who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and have successfully completed a rigorous high school program.
• Federal SEOG- is awarded in addition to the Pell-Grant for low - income students with exceptional need
• Cal Grant B- is for students with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA who are form disadvantaged and loe-income families.
• Cal Grant C- is for tuition and training costs at occupational or career colleges.
• Chafee Grants- are up to $5,000 a year for a vocational training or college for current or former foster youth.

Most of the federal aid listed above are specific to California residents, such as the cal grants etc. The FAFSA however is used state wide. If you live in a different state than California, there are other state aids and state aid programs available, you can search them online on the state's website or visit the financial aid office at the school your are considering on attending.

Loans

Another means to getting aid are student loans. For those of you who need the little extra push, a loan can be a great amount of help, especially student loans.

• Federal Stafford Loan Subsidized-This is available to students who meet financial aid requirements and are attending school at least half-time. With this loan the government pays the interest up to six months after you leave school. This is a great loan to be able to reciecve, because you do not need to pay it back while you are in school, and the government will be helping you out for the first six months you get out of school!
• Federal Stafford Loan Unsubsidized- This loan is available to any student regardless of financial need, but the students pays the interest from the time the loan is disbursed.For those of you who will not qualify for financial aid, you may be able to recieve this loan, and all you would have to do is pay the interest while your are in school, which should not be a high cost, depending on how much money you take out.
• Federal Plus- (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) is a credit based loan with payments that begin 60 days from the time the loan is disbursed. If your parents have godd credit, they may be able to get you this loan.

Other types of aid

• Work Study- What is great about work study is that, it allows you to work at a part-time job on campus,that may help you with experience for a future career, plus the earnings can be used to help finance your education.
• Scholaships- These are available from colleges, companies, community-based groups and other organizations and are funds awarded on the basis of merit, particular major, leadership, or financial need. Pretty much anyone can find a scholarship that will fit their needs, it is competitive however, but if you can grab a scholarship or a few your on your way making money to pay for school!
• Board of Governors Fee Waiver- This waives the California Community College enrollment fee for California residents who are eligibnle for any type of need-based financial aid, or receive government financial assistance, or whose annual family income falls below published income standards. This is for California residents, but make sure you check out what your state can do for you to get aid.

BEWARE OF SCAMS

There are so many scams out there and the scamming innocent folks market is booming. Anything that basically asks you for money to get you money is a SCAM. I personally have gone through it, back when I was a sophmore in high school, this so called "legitimate" company sells us this "We will work to get you financial aid package" for about $1200 which is money I will never get back (or my mom will never get back). Make sure you do your research and aid will always be free to apply for and free to receive. I cannot stress enough how to be careful so you don't fall into someone's evil marketing ploy. If you need help to pay for college, then be wise, and don't fall for scams.

If you need help, help is always out there. That is the bottom line, don't be afraid to ask. Someone once told me, if you need help, there is no harm in asking for help, instead of sitting around worrying about a problem you can fix if you just ask for some help.That piece of advice goes for many things not just financial help. The best thing you can do is go on the states website, look at the FAFSA website, or the easiest, just go to the school and speak with the financial aid advisor! The school would be your BEST resource in getting the help you need, they know the ins, outs, and arounds of pretty much all the aid out there. I hope that this has helped clear some air about financial aid, and has given you some knowledge about whats out there.

Oh and I forgot to mention, You do not need to pay back any of the money and grants you recieve ! The only time you need to pay back is if you take out a loan and thats about it.