How to Apply for Assistance and Aid

Paying for college and its expenses can be very difficult for some students, even when they have help from their families; it is often impossible for others without some source of financial assistance. Social workers can be a great resource if they understand basic information about funding and funding sources that are available to students to help assist them with their educational costs.

  • The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must be filled out by every student who wants to be considered for federal educational financial assistance. Students must complete the FAFSA online to determine eligibility. One recommendation is that students have all their financial information handy before they fill complete the application. Students can always go back and correct the FAFSA if there are parts that they are unsure about.
  • The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid is helpful for all students interested in college, especially those who are in need of financial assistance. Students will learn about different types of assistance, including scholarships, loans, saving accounts, military resources, etc.
  • Managing expenses and budgeting one's personal finances can be a difficult task, especially for students. Creating a budget for college is often recommended so students understand how to allocate their money, and what they are able to spend on college expenses versus what they are able to spend on household and other expenses vs. what they are able to save. Social workers may want to set aside some time to fill out a budget with students on their caseloads or give them a copy to complete themselves.