paying for college What is VSAC? your role parents students

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1 paying for college presented by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation VSAC s mission is to ensure that all Vermonters have the necessary financial and information resources to pursue their education goals beyond high school. What is VSAC? your role The family has the primary responsibility to pay for higher education. Financial aid is meant to assist families with paying for college. parents students

2 communication = success Planning Parent expectations Good college matches Student expectations types of assistance grants scholarships work study education loans federal state local college VSAC other the bottom line cost of attendance/budget billable (tuition, room and board, fees) + non-billable (books, travel, personal expenses) (minus) financial aid you receive (equals) = your cost/what you still need to pay

3 net price calculators It s also a customized estimate not a formal offer of admission or aid. net price calculators collegenavigator.gov Tuition, fees, and estimated expenses Net price net price calculators sticker price net price* $21,828 $16,775 $50,920 $22,652 $62,849 $16,296 * Costs are for $48,001 $75,000 income band.

4 financial applications to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Vermont grant application college financial aid forms CSS Profile scholarship applications loan applications determining financial need What is the EFC/family contribution and how is it determined? The family contribution is a starting point NOT what you have to pay. income assets family size age of older parent number in college

5 how and when to apply file your FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Required Available January 1, Use version (the year student will attend college). Check college deadlines. Use income estimates, if necessary, to meet deadlines. Apply each year. whose information on the FAFSA generally, parent(s) and college student Help and Hints FAFSA IRS retrieval Return to FAFSA Submit

6 FAFSA confirmation & link to VT grant start your state application financial aid applications file the VT grant application Open to Vermont residents. Available January 1, Required for state grant aid. Apply early, check status online and complete. Take the Vermont grant with you to in-state & out-of-state colleges financial aid applications myvsac myvsac/account Access 2 1

7 financial aid applications scholarships Competitive submit your best work. Deadlines are critical. Application requirements vary. Complete all required documents. VSAC booklet available online late October, in print late November. May affect other financial aid. Look everywhere. financial aid applications VSAC-assisted scholarships Application available January 1, Deadlines for all VSAC-assisted scholarships early bird: February 6, 2015 Meet the deadline to be entered in a drawing for one of three $1,000 scholarships. final: March 6, 2015 financial aid applications scholarships Unified Scholarship Application (USA) Submit required documents

8 financial aid application process Deadlines vary. Contact financial aid office. CSS Profile (fee required) Available October college forms You ve applied. Now what? CSS Profile college financial aid form college Vermont grant application FAFSA or renewal form federal state: VSAC Family pays EFC plus unmet need $49,000 remaining need (gap) $19,500 $29,000 college aid Stafford loan for students Vermont grant expected family contribution

9 How do families pay? loan options Federal Stafford loan for students (two types) Federal PLUS loan for parents available from your college your college interest rates %* %* Non-federal education loans Banks, private lenders & VSAC check with lenders * Each year s loan will have its own fixed rate. loan calculators Mappingyourfuture.org FinAid.org New York Times

10 before you accept financial aid Compare awards! Follow up on estimated or tentative awards. Determine how scholarships may affect awards. Understand loan terms. sample award notification Financial aid award by term for Your state college financial aid year communication is key communication is to the student. Identify an that you will check (and continue checking often!). Once accepted, student must check online college account and myvsac regularly. Follow up with the financial aid office and VSAC.

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