For low-income students, access to a variety of financial aid packages is very important. Five basic federal aid programs provide most support to low-income students. For example, colleges manage the last three federally funded programs mentioned above, but not all colleges participate in each program. Other government and private sources provide aid. Many offer support for ethnic minorities, for students who enter certain jobs, or for students attending particular colleges.
Good planning involves parents, counselors, and students as a team.
Every member of the team must play an active role. Parents and students need to fill out financial aid forms. Students need to complete applications and take college entrance tests. Counselors need to meet with parents and students to guide them in exploring choices. All this takes work, but it makes a big difference for low-income students.