High School

College Financial Aid

Financial aid is a term used to describe any source of student assistance that is awarded to a student to help meet college expenses. These funds are generally awarded on the basis of financial need and include:

  • Scholarships
  • Grants
  • Loan
  • Employment

Since most financial aid is awarded on a “first-come, first-served“ basis, it is important to check information from each college to determine required application materials and deadlines. The State of Michigan deadline for filing for financial aid is March 1st.

FAFSA
Completing and processing the FAFSA is FREE. More than 95% of FAFSAs are now filed online. 
Click here for FASFA information:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

Contact college financial aid office for help completing FAFSA. 

FSA ID

PIN serves as electronic signature on ED documents including electronic promissory notes. PIN is used to gain access to ED systems, including: corrections on the Web, NSLDS, Direct Loan Origination, Direct Loan Servicing, Loan Consolidation.
 

  • About 5% of FAFSAs are now filed by paper.
  • Paper FAFSAs are only available through download at federal websites or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID.
  • Students and parents can complete online and download as PDF file or download blank PDF file for completion and mailing.

Financial Aid Resources

FAFSA "Walk-Through" Video
Create Your FSA ID
FAFSA Student Aid Resources
What Information Do I Need When I Fill Out the FAFSA?
Who Is My "Parent" When I Fill Out the FAFSA?
Why Get a Federal Student Loan?
FAFSA filing time
FAFSA on the Web
Federal Aid First
Federal Student Aid Grant Programs
Federal Student Aid Loan Programs 
How Your Financial Aid Administrator Can Help You
Student Financial Aid Guide for Veterans
Know How to Go
Affording College in Michigan  
Avoiding Scholarship scams
Common Mistakes
Additional Resources (videos, links, downloadable PDFs) through EducationQuest
Guide to Securing Your College Student's Credit Future
Guide to Securing Your College Student's Credit Future 2

Scholarship Information

Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays
Scholarship Examples
Scholarship Guidebook
How & Where to Find Scholarships