Financial AidFinancial Aid is simply money to pay for college. To get financial aid from the federal government or the State of Ohio, students MUST complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information provided on the FAFSA determines if a student is eligible for financial aid.
To access the FAFSA form, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Completing the FAFSA is important because it determines what a family can contribute toward the cost of attending college, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and other costs such as transportation and books. If a family's estimated contribution does not cover what it costs the student to attend college, then the student is eligible for financial aid. A student's financial aid may come in the form of need-based grants, scholarships, student and parent educational loans, and work-study opportunities.
You can find out if your family qualities for federal financial aid by going to www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov to get an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid. This Web site provides an opportunity to increase your knowledge of the financial aid process
Much of the actual financial aid paperwork will be done during a student's senior year. Some high schools hold financial aid workshops. If they do, it's a good idea for parents to attend a workshop before their child is a senior to become familiar with the financial aid application process and how to fill out the FAFSA.
Consulting with the GEAR UP Advisors, high school Guidance Counselors, college Financial Aid Advisors, books, friends, and checking out the Internet can also be very helpful in identifying financial aid resources.
Free AidSee our Grants and Scholarships page for more information about free aid.
Work Aid
Work-studyWork-study programs, offered by federal and state governments as well as individual colleges, provide part-time jobs on and off campus so students can earn funds to pay their education expenses. Many work-study students also gain valuable work experience and greater exposure on campus.
Loan AidSee our Student and Parent Loans page for more information about loan aid. |
Think Success. Think College.
Welcome to the GEAR UP Springfield website! GEAR UP's mission is to encourage more students to set high expectations, stay in school, study hard, and take classes that will help them choose and be prepared to go to college.
You can learn how to prepare for college here. You can also check out how to apply to and pay for college. We also encourage you to learn about some of our GEAR UP services and activities.
Do you have a question? Click on the Ask a Question link for a prompt answer. To contact a GEAR UP staff member, click on Contact Us.