Post-Secondary Education is becoming increasingly more expensive. To help make college more affordable the federal government has instituted multiple aid streams available through the 

FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID OR FAFSA

VIDEO TUTORIAL FOR THE FAFSA
7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: Student’s Guide to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – created by the University of California, Santa Barbara

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required by all colleges for need-based financial aid. The site below provides step by step information to complete the FAFSA. Be sure and copy or type the URL exactly. Other programs have similar addresses, but often charge to provide assistance.

Other reliable sources for help to fund college:
THE STATE COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

in Virginia has established a website to help students and parents explore all available avenues to help make college affordable. After accessing the website, select “Financial Aid” from the menu on the left hand side of the page.

FINANCIAL AID GUIDE FOR MINORITY STUDENTS
Paying for college can be stressful, especially for minorities. This resource is to guide high school seniors through the process. 
This Financial Aid Guide for Minority Studentscontains:Types of financial aid available to minority students 

The difference between loans and grants 

Scholarships specifically for minority students 

FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Not just for students with disabilities – this federal site has multiple links to information on financial aid for all students as well as special links for students with disabilities. Click on the Education icon on the top of the home page and then Scholarships and Financial Aid.

COLLEGE BOARD 
A private “for profit” company, the College Board provides basic financial aid facts and step-by-step “how-to’s”. 

In addition, every year, the Career Center will have information on Financial Aid and a schedule for Financial Aid Workshops in Northern Virginia.