Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid Sources

Scholarships:

National and local scholarships are available to high school seniors each year. Information may be available from various websites.

Colleges:

Every college has a financial aid office which helps students find grants, loans, scholarships and work study programs.

State of California:

The Cal Grant program awards grants that help pay tuition costs for California students going to a California public or independent college.

Loans:

Request information from the Financial Aid office at the college you will attend about loans that are available to parents and students. Some families take out equity line loans on their homes.

Federal Government:

The Pell Grant program provides funds for low-income students to attend college.

Financial Aid Applications

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

All colleges want this form completed as soon as possible after October 1 during the student's senior year.
The Guidance Department will have copies of the FAFSA worksheet in December.
FAFSA is required in order to qualify for federal financial aid programs.
No fee is necessary to complete the form. The FAFSA is a “free” form and can be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov

California Grant Application and Grade Verification

If you are going to a California college, you will be considered for Cal Grant if you complete the FAFSA.
You do not need to complete the GPA Verification Form. The Guidance Department will submit GPA verifications electronically for all Salesian College Preparatory seniors.

Individual College Financial Aid Applications and/or the CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is needed by some private colleges. There is a fee for this service. Some colleges have their own financial aid application in addition to the CSS Profile.
Students need to contact individual college financial aid offices for their supplemental applications.
Check all deadlines carefully to submit your applications on time.
Usually there is no charge for an individual college’s financial aid application.

Financial Aid Workbook and the Web

One of the best sources of financial aid information is the “Financial Aid Workbook” published each year by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This workbook explains how to apply for federal and state financial aid opportunities including grants, loans, and work-study programs. You can receive a copy of this free workbook from the Guidance Center in November or on the CSAC website, www.csac.ca.gov

Financial Aid for College Workshop offered by Salesian College Preparatory

A workshop will be held in November. Review the school calendar for exact date.
Guest speaker will discuss the types of financial aid available and provide tips for completing the FAFSA form.