Exploring Financial Aid Opportunities

Student Few students are able to pay for their college education without some financial assistance. Financial aid can include college grants, scholarships and work-study funds, which do not need to be repaid. Other aid, which does need to be repaid, includes federal student loans (Stafford and Perkins loans), parent loans (PLUS loans) and other alternative loans for parents and students.

Check out colleges' websites

Review the financial aid section on the website of CCSNH and USNH colleges you are interested in. These websites can be a source of information for specific scholarships, loans and work-study programs, and provide links to additional information.

Apply for Federal Student Aid number

To initiate the financial aid process, visit the Federal Student Aid website at www.pin.ed.gov to sign up for your unique PIN number to access your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application and to review its status.

Fill out a FAFSA form

To apply for federal student financial aid, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to fill out a FAFSA form. Many colleges also use this information, in addition to financial information they request (such as your home's equity), to grant non-federal financial aid.

Research financial aid opportunities

Conduct an online search of financial aid websites to discover financial aid opportunities, including scholarships. Helpful websites include:

www.nhheaf.org
The New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network provides detailed information on student and parent loan programs, including loan amounts and repayment options, college planning, and application forms.

www.studentaid.ed.gov
This comprehensive Federal Student Aid website contains information on making application to colleges, applying for financial aid and repaying college loans.

www.nhcf.org (Student Aid)
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offers information on statewide student aid programs and distributes funds to help students attain their higher education goals. Scholarships and loans are awarded to both "traditional" students and adults entering or returning to college.

Contact college financial aid offices

If you have specific financial aid questions, contact the financial aid office of the CCSNH or USNH colleges you are interested in.