SayLending.com

Deadlines include essay and application submissions, college visits, housing selection, and gathering those things for the move.

Our quick calendar of events can help
(links to our Off-to-College planning center):
go to our Off-to-College Planning Guide and Calendar

Costs include tuition, housing, books, transportation and more

TIP: print our tally sheet to keep tabs on cost and the available aid that you get: print student aid tally sheet

Where is the Money Coming From

$135 Billion dollars were disbursed last year in financial aid for students. The largest percentage was federal loans.

(we will review each of these aid options under Aid Steps 4-6)

These are just some of the sources of financial aid. Other aid for college includes:

• scholarships
• campus aid
• private student aid and loans
• EFC

Link to our Financial Aid Step to view the process:
go to Financial Aid Steps

• Before you start the financial aid process, you must qualify as either a dependant or independent student.

  Review qualifications:
  go to Financial Aid Note 1

What is EFC?
EFC is the Expected Family Contribution for higher education. In other words, financial aid is awarded based on a formula that calculates the total cost of attending school and the expected family contribution to that cost.

we have more information about EFC

What you will need to file:

• tax returns
• W-2 forms
• bank statements
• Social Security and VA Benefits, if any

visit Aid Step 2 for FAFSA Information and Links

We have complete information on types and sources:
start With Our Financial Aid List: Aid Step 4

You can also view a summary chart of financial aid options:

• financial aid chart: for undergraduates
  
• financial aid chart: for graduates
  
• financial aid chart: for parents
  
• financial aid chart: for continuing students

Don't Forget to Check with Your Financial Aid Office

Your school's financial aid office is the control center for student financial aid.

Talk with your college's financial aid office to see how they can help. Be prepared to ask questions such as:

1. What are the filing deadlines?
2. What forms are required?
3. What percentage of the college costs is covered by the financial aid award package?
4. Can the award package be negotiated?
   
   Connect to your schools web site for the aid office:
   use our college directory

begin your scholarship search

TIP: print our tally sheet to keep tabs on what your find: print student aid tally sheet

• View complete information:
  start with Stafford Student Loans

Graduates and professional students now qualify under the PLUS loan program to borrow up to the full cost of education. Deferment plans are available.

• We have information about the GradPLUS loan:
  view GradPLUS Loans

view our Summary Loan Chart of available student loans

These loans are not subject to Federal Government review and processing. You can get your money in as little as 5 business days from receipt of your completed application.

• See what Private Loans are available:
  view Private Loans

view our Summary Loan Chart of available student loans

• We have information about PLUS loans:
  view PLUS Loans

Banker Home Equity Line of Credit

Parents or students with equity value in their home can use home equity loan to pay for college. Funds can be borrowed as they are needed — not all at once under most other loan programs.

Parents or students with steady working income can use the BLOC to manage their money and fund education expenses. The program benefits those with positive discretionary income that helps to keep funding costs low.

• View product demo: introduction page and slide demo

view our Summary Loan Chart of available student loans

• Apply for Financial Aid: click here

Money will be tight during school. You want to control spending and avoid unnecessary debt. View our recommendation on how to manage student funds while attending college.

• Money management tips: click here

• buying a home
• finding a good career
• keeping lending costs down
• perhaps starting a business

We have complete credit and debt management tips including budgeting monthly expenses:
link to credit management module

Though it might be too late for the upcoming student, it is not too late for the other children in your family — or even yourself if your plans have yourself returning to school.

There are some interest savings strategies that can benefit you.

• For detailed information:
  link to our College Savings Center at www.SayPlanning.com

• For detailed information:
  view our Student Consolidation Center
  
  
• Keep track of your student loans, scholarships and other financial aid for future reference and need:
  download our aid tracking worksheet