Regardless of the pathway you choose, obtaining additional education and training after high school is absolutely affordable.
The first step is to complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Many students are eligible to receive Pell Grants — money provided by the U.S. government to students who need assistance for tuition — for college or technical or trade school learning. You do NOT have to repay a Pell Grant. These grants are limited to students with financial need who have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree or who choose certain certificate or associate degree programs.
Not sure how to complete a FAFSA? Not to worry. They are available on October 1 of your senior year and your MyPath College Guide or Advisor can help you. You’ll want to complete the FAFSA by December 1 to get the maximum amount of grant and scholarship aid available.
FAFSA Eligibility
Students may be eligible to receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships and unsubsidized or subsidized loans. Here are some of the requirements you’ll need to be eligible:
- U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or an eligible non-citizen
- Valid Social Security Number
- Registered with the U.S. Selective Service (if you are a male aged 18-25)
- Complete a FAFSA promising to use any federal aid for educational purposes
- Have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs