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Are you thinking
about college? Do you get
goose bumps when thinking about how to juggle college classes
along with your other duties? Are college costs a concern?
Think about financial aid and call the financial aid office at
the colleges you are considering.
If you'd like to
do some research before calling,
go online. There are online calculators that can provide
an estimate of what you may be able to receive from the federal
government. Go to the Department of Education's website,
www.fafsa.ed.gov, or access the College Board's calculator at
www.collegeboard.com.
 If
you already have certain colleges in mind,
check their websites for helpful information, deadlines and answers
to common questions. Some college websites have their own
calculators to provide an estimate of how they can help out.
Lafayette College has a financial aid calculator where you answer
about 10-15 questions and it provides an estimate of your financial
need.
For example, go to www.lafayette.edu/admissions./finaid.
You can also call the financial aid office at the college you
are thinking of attending, and ask to speak with a financial
aid officer so you can discuss any issues or concerns you may
have.
Keep in mind, every student who wants to be
considered for financial aid must file a Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The
application must be filed each year. The website for the
application is the same as above so just go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Federal grants such as the Pell grants can provide as much as
$4,500 per year for full-time students who have high financial
need. Part-time students can also qualify depending on
the costs of the college. In addition, there are federal
loans available, as well as support from state agencies and from
colleges/universities.
-----------------Arlina B. DeNardo, Director of Financial Aid, Lafayette College,
Easton, Pennsylvania
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Arlina B. DeNardo began her
career in financial aid as an assistant director then associate
director and, in 1998, she became Director of Financial Aid at
Lafayette College.
