Financial Aid

The cost of attending college is a lifetime investment in you! Although not cheap, it is definitely an investment worth making. Financial aid is available to help. Aid comes in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back. Work-study programs provide job opportunities through the college. Loans have to be paid back, but most can be deferred until after graduation.

Your high school counselor and college admissions counselor are your two best friends for financial aid information. The three main sources of financial aid are colleges, state and federal governments and private organizations. Friends, family and your church may help as well. The financial aid won't just come to you. You'll have to ask and apply.

Colleges

Be sure to look into the scholarship and financial aid opportunities offered by your college(s). Most Assemblies of God (AG) colleges offer various academic, performance and church-matching scholarships. Many AG colleges also make awards to high achievers in Missionettes, Royal Rangers, Fine Arts Festival, Bible Quiz, MAPS, and to dependents of AG pastors and AG missionaries.

Check with the college(s) of your choice for further information. Scholarships are often listed on a school's website, but it may be helpful to call and speak with a financial aid advisor as well. It is your responsibility to be aware of deadlines.

The Government

Much of your financial aid may come from federal and state programs. Most government aid is based on financial need, which is determined by income tax information—your own and that of your parent(s) or legal guardian.

To determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, and you can submit this form anytime after January 1 of the year you will begin school. The form must be filed yearly. Federal aid programs include various grant, loan and work-study funds. Other web addresses that might be helpful are www.finaid.org and www.ed.gov

If you have questions, the Federal Student Financial Aid Information Center's toll free phone number is 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Experts there can explain the process of determining financial need and awarding aid.

Private Organizations

Many students are able to supplement their federal and college aid with local community scholarships. Community organizations such as the Rotary, Kiwanis and the Jaycees often offer scholarships. You may also want to check with your parents' employers. Many businesses offer scholarships to dependents of employees. Finally, check online and with your high school guidance counselor for applicable scholarship opportunities.

Be prepared to write an essay detailing your academic, community and extracurricular activities. You may also need letters of recommendation.
Start the process of securing financial aid early, and don't be afraid to ask what you are eligible for. If you aren't sure, your high school guidance counselor and college admissions counselor will be glad to help.

College is an investment in you and what God has called you to do with your life. Trust Him, and do your part to find the financial resources necessary to make college a reality for you!

Looking for a scholarship? If so, be sure to check out the Alliance Scholarships! The J. Robert Ashcroft Scholarships and the Riggs Scholarships give financial assistance to outstanding high school seniors who attend AG churches and plan to attend AG colleges.