An important factor in going to college is paying for it, but do not let a price tag narrow your college search. Amazingly, the U.S. government gives out nearly $95 billion in financial aid every year, and even MORE money is available through scholarships!

As you’ll find out, you can’t get financial aid to go to college without filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). If you’re a high school senior, send it in now—aid is first come, first serve, and the deadline for this year is June 30.

Beyond federal aid, the scholarship possibilities are endless. Check out CSO College Center to learn more about specific need-based or merit scholarships available at 230+ colleges and universities across the country.

"I want to go to college, but I don’t think I can afford it. Should I still try to go?"

by Tally Hart
Senior Advisor for Economic Access
Ohio State University

Yes. College is a great investment – especially for Opportunity Scholars!

student and mom Every family in the nation has been touched directly or indirectly by the current economic situation, and in times like these, students and families decide to end their college plans. Unfortunately, that’s the wrong thing to do. (To continue reading article, click here)

calendar my to do list: MARCH

Senior

Submit the FAFSA. You will receive your Student Aid Report within four weeks.
Ask your high school guidance counselor to send your official transcripts to the colleges to which you’ve applied.
Visit colleges that have admitted you.
Continue to look for scholarship opportunities.
student

Keep track of deadlines.

Junior

Meet with your guidance counselor to develop your senior year schedule.
Write a résumé.
Plan a college visit over spring break.

Sophomore

Begin exploring financial aid and scholarship options.
Use the Internet to explore different careers.

Freshman

Start planning your sophomore year schedule.
Meet new people by signing up for extracurricular activities.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) The amount a family can reasonably be expected to pay for one year of college.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The need analysis form produced by the U.S. Department of Education that is required for students seeking aid by nearly all colleges and universities.

Federal Loan Aid from the government that must be paid back after graduation. The interest rate on a federal student loan is almost always lower than on a private loan. To be considered, students must complete the FAFSA.

Private Loan Aid not from the government that must be repaid, usually while still in college.

Work-Study A federally funded program in which students take campus jobs as part of their financial aid package. To participate, students must complete the FAFSA.

Click here to learn about other important financial aid terminology

A free service for students, Opportunity Scholar benefits include:

Connections with colleges active in the recruitment of first-generation, low-income, and minority students through CSO College Center
Monthly Opportunity Scholars e-newsletters
College admissions support
Eligibility for CSO Opportunity Scholarships

> For general inquiries and to learn more about Center for Student Opportunity, contact info@csopportunity.org.
As a leader and expert in college access and success for first-generation college and other traditionally underserved students, Center for Student Opportunity (CSO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization bridging the divide between leading institutions of higher education and those who most need college guidance, preparation and admissions assistance.

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Center for Student Opportunity
P.O. Box 30370
Bethesda, Maryland 20824
US

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