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College Planning: Financial Aid/Scholarships

Sources of Financial Aid

Financial aid may take the form of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Sources of financial aid include the college, state (provided you live and go to school in the same state), private donors and the government.

  • Scholarships are based on a student’s special talent -- academic, athletic, artistic, or other personal considerations. Scholarship awards do not have to be repaid.
  • Grants are outright gifts based on need and do not have to be repaid.
  • Loans are a significant part of a financial aid package. Loans must be repaid. Depending on the type of loan, payment may begin within a couple of months or several months after a student graduates.
  • Work-study programs are available to students who qualify for financial aid. Students are employed on campus to help offset expenses.

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Qualifying for Financial Aid

A basic tenet of financial aid analysis is that the parents should contribute, insofar as they are able, to the higher education of their children. Thus, the first resource to be considered is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The amount of the EFC will differ from family to family, but almost every family will be expected to pay something. The EFC is determined by a standard formula which indicates how much of the family’s financial resources should be available to help pay for college. An estimate of your EFC may be calculated here.

In most cases, colleges award financial aid on the basis of demonstrated need. Demonstrated need is the difference between the cost of attending a particular college and the expected family contribution:
    Total College Expenses -- Expected Family Contribution = Demonstrated Need

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Applying for Aid

In order for colleges to determine demonstrated need, the family must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. All colleges in the United States require the FAFSA. Approximately 900 colleges also require the College Scholarship Profile Service (CSS) PROFILE, and others even require one of their own institutional forms. FAFSA and PROFILE forms are available in the counselor’s office, or may be filed electronically. FAFSA may be accessed at www.fafsa.ed.gov. PROFILE may be accessed at www.collegeboard.com (PROFILE registration begins September 15.) Gather tax information as soon as possible, as this information is used to complete the FASFA forms. File FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible and before March 1 – it may help increase your aid package.

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Financial Aid and Scholarship Websites

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U.S. Service Academies

Service academies prepare men and women for careers as professional officers in the United States military. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, all students are required to participate in a challenging athletic and wellness program. All tuition, room and board, medical, and dental expenses are paid for by the government. Each cadet also receives a monthly salary. Obligation: Minimum of five years of military service following graduation.

Requirements: Qualify academically (test scores, school records, class rank and recommendations), meet strenuous medical and physical standards, and obtain a nomination. Admission is very competitive.

Recommendations: Visit the academy or attend a summer program after your junior year (apply in the winter of your junior year), and submit a pre-candidate questionnaire in the spring of your junior year. Advise your counselor early in your junior year if you are considering a service academy.

Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO 80840
1-800-443-9266
www.usafa.af.mil

Coast Guard Academy (nomination NOT required)
New London, CT. 06320
1-800-883-8724
www.cga.edu

Military Academy
West Point, NY 10996
1-800-822-USMA
www.usma.edu

Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD 21402
1-410-293-4361
www.nadn.navy.mil

Merchant Marine
Kings Point, NY 11024
1-866-546-4778
www.usmma.edu

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ROTC Scholarships

ROTC trains students to become officers while pursuing a college degree. The ROTC scholarship program is an excellent way to receive financial assistance while pursuing a degree. Upon graduation, scholarship recipients are commissioned as officers and obligated for four years of active duty. It is recommended that you apply early, as there is steep competition for these scholarships. There are a variety of ROTC programs available to students.

Typical ROTC minimum requirements include: ranking in the top 25% of your graduating class; an ACT score of at least 24 and an SAT of at least 1100; extracurricular, leadership and athletic activities.

To request information or an application contact:

Trinity News:

Twelve Trinity seniors were named Wichita State University Dean's Scholars and will receive a full-ride (room, board, tuition, books and fees) for two years. Congratulations to S. Blanton, L. Cargile, J. Flynn, L. Hoch, M. Holick, A. Landon, K. Powell, A. Power, M. Schmidt, J. Smith, K. Stephens, and T. Wiesner.

Verse of the Week:

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. ”

Jeremiah 33:3