Here are some ways to think about this:

• 75% of families do not have the means to send their child to college without help.
• There is over $100 billion available from the government, the states, the schools, and private sources.
• Save. Even $25/month, over ten years, with interest, might cover the tuition of at least a semester at an in-state school. Research options such as 529 plans and pre-paid tuition plans to see if they are right for you.(Each state handles its 529 differently). The general consensus is that it is better to earn interest on money you save than to pay interest on money that you borrow.
• When deciding where to apply, worry about the money later.
• That said, apply to at least one lower-cost, in-state public school where you feel sure you can gain admittance.
• Start early, meet deadlines, and be aware. Best information site: StudentAid.ed.gov.
• Turn in the FAFSA as close to January 1 (senior year) as possible, even if you have to estimate your numbers. Families that believe they will not qualify for aid should still fill out the FAFSA, as other loans and scholarships require it. Fill the FAFSA out on-line at fafsa.ed.gov. You will make fewer errors and it will be faster and easier.
• For scholarships: go to fastweb.com and finaid.org. Talk to Guidance and the Next Step Office.
• Scholarship scams abound! Be wary of anyone that asks you for money or guarantees anything. The FAFSA is free and offers FREE help on-line or by telephone.
• Changes in finances may affect aid. Let the schools know about special circumstances.
• Finaid.org, collegeanswer.com, and CollegeBoard.org have calculators to give you payment estimates.
• Buy your schoolbooks early and check eBay and Amazon.com for used editions.

Remember: Financial Aid Officers want to help you and they do not want money to be the reason that you do not attend their school. They are not mathematicians; they are counselors. Call them! Be open, accurate, and honest about your situation.

What does college cost?

Don't let college price tags send you into sticker shock. 75% of students receive financial aid.

Community College (Lord Fairfax, Piedmont, Germanna, Northern Virginia) costs about $3000/year. Students typically live at home and save money that might otherwise go towards rent and food.

Who goes to community college? Community College is a great option for students who . . .

• ...do not have the grades/scores/money to go straight to a 4-year school.
• ...want to study courses not offered at 4-year schools (welding, horticulture, auto tech, etc.)
• ...are self-motivated and seeking a 2-year degree that will transfer to a 4-year school. Most community colleges do not have dorms, sports teams, or high retention rates.

Trade/Technical/Career School: Prices vary. Cosmetology Programs can cost $2000-$10,000. Germanna's 2-year automotive program has several full-tuition scholarships. Nashville's Auto-Diesel School is $28,000 (21 months). Be sure that the school is accredited and worth it.

Public VA Colleges & Universities -- (VA Tech, Longwood, UVA, JMU, George Mason, Mary Washington, Christopher Newport, VCU...) Cost: $13-$16,000/year. (Includes tuition, room, board, and fees. ) Most students receive aid.

Private Colleges and Universities: Cost: $20-50,000/year. Shenandoah, Bridgewater, & Sweet Briar are examples of private VA Schools. Out-of-state schools, public or private, usually cost about the same as these schools. (Again, most students receive aid.)

How do you reduce the cost?

Lower Cost Schools -- Community Colleges, Military Academies, Public Colleges.

Work -- Many students work part-time or work in a "work-study" job on campus.

Americorps -- offers education rewards in return for national service. 1-800-942-2677

Military -- The US Armed Forces offers financial aid if you serve.

Tax Breaks -- Hope Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. For more info see IRS Publication 970 (call 1-800-829-4059 to order a copy). Also, certain borrowers can take a deduction on the interest they pay on student loans ($2,500 max).

Federal Financial Aid -- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online and on paper. From the information that you provide, the Federal Government will determine how much of what kind of aid they will give you.

Filling out the FAFSA

Fill out the FAFSA for 3 Types of Financial Aid:

• Grants -- (Free Money) These are primarily given to lower and middle-income families although many school have "merit" based grants and scholarships that are available to high-achieving students. This is money that does not need to be paid back.
• Work-Study -- (Earned Money) Money the student earns while working at school.
• Loans -- (Borrowed Money) Money that must be paid back at a low interest. Some of this money may be interest-free while the student is in school. Some loans are taken out by the parents (PLUS Loans).

Quick FAFSA Tips:

• Start early. File in early January of the student's senior year.
• File on-line (instead of paper).
• You will fill out the form every year that you are in school. It gets easier.
• Print and save a hard copy. Keep all information (PIN #, Xeroxes) in a file.
• Watch out for scams! The form and the help are FREE.
• Call 1-800-4-FED-AID for help.
• Online: FAFSA: www.fafsa.ed.gov
• PIN : www.pin.ed.gov - When you get a PIN, remember it and keep it in a safe place. You will need to reuse it each year to access aid.

Avoid the most common FAFSA mistakes:

One in seven FAFSA forms is returned and thereby delayed, due to errors. File online - file accurately.

• The most frequent mistake made is leaving a field blank. If the answer is zero or the question does not apply to you, write in a zero. If you leave a question blank, the processor will assume that you forgot to answer.
• Use the 1040 federal tax return (NOT a W2) for income reporting and reporting taxes paid.
• Don't forget to report all the required sources of untaxed income. These include Social Security, child support, and Aid to Dependent Children.
• Report your correct marital status. If you plan to file as a married student, you must be married on or before the date that you sign your FAFSA.
• Include your stepparent's information.
• Include yourself in the household size. Even if you didn't live there during the previous year, you should always include yourself as part of your parent's household.
• Sign the application. If you're filing as a dependent, both you and your parents must sign. If you file online, you and your parents can sign the form electronically using your PIN numbers.
• File on time. Priority for programs with limited funds is often given to students who file the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
• As with all forms and applications, make sure you read the instructions and questions carefully. If you're unclear about a question or are having trouble filling out the FAFSA, check the FAQ section on the FAFSA Web site, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED AID (1-800-433-3243).
• On the paper form, follow instructions with regard to using a pen or pencil.

Who can help me with this form? Mr. Gochenour brings in an expert in early December to help families fill out this form. Often, the Department of Education is the best resource for you. Call 1-800-4FED-AID.

Scholarships

There are national, regional, and local scholarships. Local scholarships are due in the spring. Foundations, religious organizations, clubs, community and civic groups, 4-H, Girl Scouts, and businesses offer scholarships. The key to getting money is to start early, apply often, meet deadlines, and search. See the list of over 100 scholarships on the Resources page.

When should I start looking for financial aid and scholarships? Parents should start saving as early as possible. Students should start looking for scholarships as early as their freshman year in high school.

Is there a lot of money out there for students? Yes. Is it easy to get? No. Does some of it go unused? Yes. FastWeb.com is one of the best resources for scholarships. Also finaid.org and college-scholarships.org. See Mr. Gochenour’s online monthly newsletter for deadlines at rappahannock.k12.va.us.

Tips on Winning Scholarship Money

• Throughout high school, do well academically, LEARN HOW TO WRITE effectively and persuasively, be involved in extracurricular activities, do well on the SAT, and do at least 100 hours of community service each year.
• Only apply if you are eligible
• Complete the application neatly, accurately, in full, and on time.
• Make an impression with your essay
• Make copies of what you send in
• For help, call the agency or foundation.

Do I have to report my scholarship money to the college? Yes. Tell them at least six weeks before you enroll.