Thurgood Marshall College Fund

We know...
this is a busy but exciting time for you while you explore your options for the next phase of your education. It may seem overwhelming at times. There are application deadlines for individual schools you’re applying to; you have to keep up with the deadline dates for the ACT and/or SAT registration; and you have to complete your financial aid forms and apply for various scholarships in a timely manner. It all seems like a lot to do, but it is all part of the process for getting you to college and to your career goals. We suggest that you make a calendar with all of these important dates and deadlines. It will make it easier to keep track of the things you will need to do. To help guide you through the college planning process visit http://www.knowhow2go.org/mentors_steps.php to navigate the “steps to college” for every grade level.

Also, visit http://collegeanswer.com to learn how you can access yourself, learn about college requirements , learn how to prepare for standerdize tests and get college advice.

Getting Started

How do I get started?
Students and parents can begin the admissions and financial aid process by choosing to work with the Department of Education Federal TRIO Programs which provide services that assist students in choosing a college; tutoring; personal and financial counseling; career counseling; assistance in applying to college; workplace and college visits; special instruction in reading, writing, study skills and mathematics; and assistance in applying for financial aid. Visit the site below for information on all the TRIO programs.
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/staffdirectory-cupt.html

How much is college going to cost?
Costs depend on the school you choose. Most families in America are not financially capable of paying the rising cost of a college education without some type of assistance. Thankfully, all students can receive various forms of financial aid to assist them in paying their college costs.

For example, the average college costs for the 2006-07 school year were:

Public, two-year $2,300
Public, four-year $5,800
Private, four-year $22,200

Is college too expensive for me?
Although some college costs can be discouraging, most colleges are more affordable than you might think. The U.S. Department of Education awards more than $80 billion dollars a years in grants and loan to students attending a colleges and universities. Financial aid is intended to make up the difference between what a family can afford to pay and what college costs.

However, you and your parents should realistically discuss what you can afford and cannot afford. It is very discouraging for a new college student to show up on their dream campus with all their personal belongings and is turned away by the school because the student did not choose an affordable school for them and they cannot pay the bill. Instead, they hoped that once they arrived on the campus a miracle would occur. It is very important that you thoroughly review your financial aid package and know before you show up on campus how you are going to pay your bill.

What do I do if my family can’t afford to send me to college?
If your family cannot afford to send you to college, it is more important than ever to seek every type of financial assistance you can. After applying for federal student aid, it is important that you also apply for other support programs. Thousands of dollars are available each year for students who meet varying eligibility criteria.

How do I explore my financial aid options?
Your school guidance counselor is a good place to start for assistance in identifying financial aid options. Students can also visit the public library and search the internet. Throughout this website you will find various links to sites offering financial support for students. The first step in seeking financial aid for higher education is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

More frequently asked questions - click here

What You Need To Know

.Understand Your Financial Aid Options
There is a lot of information available about going to college and how to pay for it. You may have to look for it. Doing research in your school counselor’s office, at the public library and on websites like those highlighted on this website. When you make the time and put in the effort to discover all of the possibilities, you might be surprised at what offers for aid you may receive. Get organized, take it one step at a time and you can make your dreams of college a reality!

You can get grants, scholarships, loans and work-study jobs to help cover the difference between what you and your family can afford to pay for college and the actual tuition and other costs at the school you choose. It may take adding up several scholarships and grants, and maybe even a loan, to cover the entire cost of your education, so try to apply for as many sources of “free money” as you may qualify for.Grants – A form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. They can be merit based or based on financial need. Types of grant programs:

Federal Grant Programs

• Federal Pell Grants – largest federal grant program; the school determines eligibility and award amounts.

• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) – federal grant program made available through some schools to a limited number of undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

State Grants and Scholarships
The U.S. Department of Education provides state agencies with grants and scholarship funds.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) – formally known, as the State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) is a matching-funds program to encourage states to develop student aid programs.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships – a federally funded state administered program for students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise to continued excellence in postsecondary education. At least ten scholarships are made available per state. Students awarded under this program are known as Byrd Scholars

Loans – A form of financial aid that must be repaid, usually after the student graduates from college or when the student leaves school or drops below half-time status. The federal government provides low-interest loans to students and parents. Students can also borrow from private banking institutions.

• Federal Stafford Loans – low interest loans made to undergraduate and graduate students.

• Parents PLUS Loans – enable parents to borrow money for each dependent undergraduate student.

• Federal Perkins Loans – federally insured loans funded by the federal government and awarded by the college.

Federal Work Study Program enables students with a financial need to earn money to cover school costs through employment.

Scholarships - There are several hundred million dollars in scholarships each year through colleges, corporations, foundations and other organizations (local community organizations, private clubs, fraternal organizations, employers or labor groups). Scholarships like grants do not have to be repaid. Students who excel in academics, athletics, community service and many other areas can receive a scholarship. There are also scholarships that are awarded based on a student’s ethnicity, interests and/or career path.