Studies have shown that people who continue their education after high school tend, on average, to live longer, be healthier, and earn more money then people with lower levels of education. All careers need adequate preparation. The cost of continuing your education can seem prohibitive, but this should not discourage you. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. With good information and a strong partnership with the Office of Financial Aid at the school you plan to attend, you can successfully pilot the maze of federal, state, private, and institutional requirements to receive the financial aid you need.
Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, loans, and work programs.
These programs may be awarded on the basis of either merit or need. Merit aid is awarded on the basis of a talent or special skill the student possesses, or because of a student's academic ability. Merit awards may be competitive in nature. This process considers the cost of education of the school the student plans to attend and the amount of money the student and family should be able to contribute to that cost. The difference between the cost of education and the amount the family is expected to contribute is the amount of the student's financial need.