Financial Aid

Obtaining the best financial aid package is a lot like building a sundae.  There are are four layers in a good financial aid package, and every layer makes the financial aid package a little bit better:

  • Federal Student Aid
  • State of Ohio Student Aid
  • Institutional Aid
  • Outside Organizations

1. Federal Student Aid can take many forms: a grant or free money from the government; federal student loans, which will have to be paid back; and the Federal Work Study program, an employment program that pays a student to work part-time on campus. To qualify for a federal student aid program you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is an online application used to determine a family’s financial need, which in turn is used to determine what type of aid a student gets. The FAFSA can be completed here.

2. State of Ohio Financial Aid has multiple grant programs to give students money for college expenses. The grants do not need to be repaid. Ohio grant eligibility is also based on a student's FAFSA results. To qualify for Ohio grants, your FAFSA must be filed no later than October 1 of the current academic year.

3. Institutional Aid comes directly from a college or university. Most, but not all, colleges offer some institutional aid - scholarships, grants, or student loans. Institutional aid is awarded at the school's discretion, based on criteria the school sets up. Aid is based on academic excellence or financial need, or a combination of both. Students need to check with each school they are considering about that school's financial aid process.

4. Outside Organizations such as businesses, charities, foundations, community groups and others offer money each year to help students attend college. Each organization has its own criteria for awarding scholarships, loans, internships or other help. To find these opportunities, students should start their search in their local community and work their way out geographically. Many high school guidance counselors know about help offered from organizations. Students in Greater Cleveland can visit Cleveland Scholarship Programs' Resource Center to receive assistance in finding these opportunities.

The Resource Center is located in the Atrium at 200 Public Square, Cleveland, OH. 44114.