Introduction to Financial Aid

Sometimes the toughest part of the financial aid process is starting. You and your family have a number of financial aid options to take advantage of—you just need to know how to begin.

  • When to start. Know what you need to accomplish—and by when—with this financial aid timeline.
  • What to start with. Don’t let the differences between loans, grants, and everything else overwhelm you. Instead, find out what you qualify for by learning the types of financial aid.
  • How to start. Ignore the horror stories and see how easy it is to apply for financial aid.
  • What your next step is. Review the aid you receive, and decide how much to accept. You may even be able to get more money if you understand your financial aid award.