Another large source of financial aid are state governments. All fifty states offer grant aid. Most state programs award aid only to state residents who attend a college in their home state. Other sources of financial aid include private agencies, foundations, corporations, clubs, fraternal and service organizations, civic associations, unions, and religious groups. These award grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans.
Some employers also provide tuition reimbursement benefits for employees and their dependents.
More information about these different sources of aid is available from high school guidance offices, public libraries, college financial aid offices, and directly from sponsoring organizations. The AwardSearch disk included in the guide allows students to search the database creating a list of awards for which they are eligible to apply. Some students applying for college entrance in the fall of 1999 will find they need to fill out two forms for financial aid. It is best if you wait until you have all your financial records for the previous year available, but if you don't, and a deadline is approaching, you can use estimated numbers. In many instances, the colleges you've applied to will ask you to send copies of your and your parents' income tax returns for 1999 plus any other documents they feel are necessary to verify the information you reported.