How do I pay for college?

​Step 1: Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Go to www.fafsa.gov and create your FSA ID. You and your parent/guardian will both need an FSA ID to log in and sign your application. You complete the FAFSA every year you are in college and will use the same FSA ID each year!
• October 1 of your 12th grade year the FAFSA is available. Deadline is March 1st - but don't wait! Complete your FAFSA by November 1st for the best options.
• If you have questions or concerns about your FAFSA or the award letter you receive from your future college, contact the Financial Aid Department at the school in which you plan enroll.
• The Financial Aid offices at LMC and KVCC are available to the community even if you do not plan on attending their institution. Make an appointment with a Financial Aid Adviser to help with your FAFSA or other financial aid questions.​

​Step 2: Research scholarship opportunities

• Colleges and universities offer their own scholarships
  • Merit-based scholarships are based off of GPA and test scores. Many times students are considered for these scholarships automatically with their application to the school, others may require an additional application.
  • Some scholarships may require separate applications, testing, and different deadlines than the school application.
  • Be sure to check school websites for information and pay attention to deadlines!
• ​​We keep an updated list of local area scholarships. Read here for the most up-to-date listing!
• Need a recommendation for a school or scholarship? Complete the Student Recommendation Request Form and return it to your counselor. 
• Scholarship Search Options 
  ​CAUTION:  We have not researched all content on this list. Watch out for scams.  NEVER pay money to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships should be FREE to apply. If you find major concerns about a website on this list, please alert your counselor.  
  • ​Search for scholarships here powered by Grand Valley State University. (You do not have to be a GVSU student to use this search).
  • Sallie Mae
  • Fast Web 
  • Scholarships
  • Going Merry
  • Peterson's 
  • Unigo
  • Cappex​
  • Niche
  • CollegeNET
  • Student Scholarships
  • Big Future by College Board: Scholarship Search
  • Scholarship resource guide for Latino students: MALDEF
    
  • For members of the National Honors Society: NHS Scholarship
  • Read here for information on scholarships through Lake Michigan Community College (LMC).
  • Read here for information on scholarships through Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC).
  • Read here for information on scholarships through Southwestern Michigan College (SWMC).

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​Tips & Additional Resources

• Never pay money to apply for a scholarship or FAFSA - it's free to apply and there is lots of free help available to complete it!
• Learn about different kinds of student aid here at studentaid.gov
• Learn about TIP (Tuition Incentive Program) for Michigan here  
• There may be other programs available to help you plan to pay for your post-secondary education. Check out this list of Programs at a Glance and go to MI Student Aid to find out more information​
• Compare your award letters from college and universities  through Big Future by College Board
• ​Read here for tips from SallieMae on how to compare your award letters from colleges.​​

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