Unraveling the Mystery of Financial Aid for Community College

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Once you've got a grip on what your expenses will be, spending the time to research financial aid options, fill out those financial aid forms, or to write an essay for a scholarship application might seem more appealing.

You'll want to start exploring financial aid options early. Don't tackle this on your own. It's complicated, so let an on-campus expert in the financial aid office help you understand your options and direct you to some sources of aid that you might not know about.

You can speak with a financial aid counselor to discover how you can apply for aid before you apply to the college. Financial aid typically requires a long processing time. You won't want to be admitted to the college and then find that you don't have the financial aid money available yet to pay for tuition and fees.

You'll want to consult with the experts in the financial aid office at your local community college (as well as with your high school counselor if you're in high school), understand types of available assistance, know how to apply for financial aid, and what additional options will be available to help you finance your education.

TIP: Everyone, including adult students, should apply for financial aid. The vast majority of student aid programs do not have age restrictions. Although many awards are based on full-time attendance, part-time students can still qualify. There are scholarships, grants, and other funding through special programs for returning adults, single parents, displaced workers, individuals with disabilities, and other targeted groups. Don't automatically assume that because you are working or have assets, such as a house or savings, that you won't qualify for financial assistance.

Go See the Experts

If you're in high school, pay a visit to your guidance counselor for some advice about types of financial aid that will be available to you.  Everyone can also benefit from an appointment with a counselor in the financial aid office at your local community college even before you apply. No one knows more about what's available and how you can access money to help with your education than the staff members in this office.

Don't bypass an opportunity to get some financial support or find out if you qualify just because you don't understand the process, terms, or forms. No one new to the process automatically understands it all.