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Financial Aid Resources
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The most common types of aid are:
- Scholarships - Come in many forms and from many sources. Some are essay contests. They can range from being left-handed or designing the best prom dress or tuxedo out of Duct Tape. Some are given directly from the university, while others come from corporations and non-profit foundations.
- Some are needs-based (financial need) others are merit-based (academic).
- Be alert for scams! A scholarship or scholarship search service that charges fees may be a warning sign.
- Grants - Award money for college which does not need to be paid back. These are usually difficult to obtain and are often awarded based on the student and family's financial needs. Must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Loans - Given, typically by the federal government, and need to be paid back at a low rate of interest after the student has completed college.
- Scholarships - Come in many forms and from many sources. Some are essay contests. They can range from being left-handed or designing the best prom dress or tuxedo out of Duct Tape. Some are given directly from the university, while others come from corporations and non-profit foundations.
Financial Aid Tips
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- Tip 1: Be a Doer: Get involved in school or community activities and volunteer service. Most scholarships and awards require you to show extracurricular involvement or something you are passionate about.
- Tip 2: Get Organized: Make a calendar of scholarship/award application deadlines, make copies of everything you submit and keep all of your application materials in one place.
- Tip 3: Start A Resume: A resume is a list of your activities and accomplishments. Start one your freshman year and keep it updated in Maia Learning.
- Tip 4: Learn to Surf: You’ll be amazed at all the information about colleges, financial aid, the SAT and ACT, grants, loans, and scholarships on the internet. A great place to start your search is the scholarship page in Maia Learning.
- Tip 5: Look Everywhere: Check with your parents’ employers, civic clubs, professional associations in your field of interest, and the college of your choice for scholarships and awards, in addition to Maia Learning, and your school's Scholarship Coordinator.
- Tip 6: Don’t Get Scammed: There are plenty of free sources of information. Beware of paying for a search or "guaranteed" scholarships.
- Tip 7: Start Early: Some scholarships are only open to seniors but others start as early as 9th grade. Check out Raise.me in Microscholarships.
- Tip 8: Pay Attention to Details: Meet deadlines, avoid typographical or grammatical errors and make sure your application is complete.
Arizona in state Universities Financial Aid Links
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ASU Scholarship Information:
NAU Scholarship Information:
- https://www7.nau.edu/finaid/NetPriceCalculator/
- https://nau.edu/office-of-scholarships-and-financial-aid/scholarships/
UofA Scholarship Information:
GCU Scholarship Information:
- https://www.gcu.edu/admissions/tuition-and-financing/scholarships-grants.php
- https://netpricecalculator.gcu.edu
Maricopa Community Colleges Scholarship Information:
Western Undergraduate Exchange Program:
Paying for college - Q & A
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I am not an "A" student. Can I still get a scholarship?
Yes! You may be surprised at how many scholarships are open to students below the top five or 10 percent of the class. Many scholarships do require a minimum GPA, but that can be as basic as 2.0. Some scholarships even disqualify the highest-ranking students, aiming instead for "B" or "C" students who work hard and may not have as many scholarship and award opportunities.
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Aren’t all scholarships based on grades?
No! Scholarships are given based on a wide variety of criteria. There are awards for students with special needs and talents, specific career interests, and those just for female or minority students. Most applications do ask for academic records and/or test scores, but those often aren’t the only factors considered.
Even those scholarships that are based on grades still require involvement in extracurricular activities, community service or work experience. If you can show that you have been involved and active in your school and community, you may have a better chance than someone that has better grades but hasn’t been involved outside the classroom.
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What if I want to go to a community college or technical school?
Community colleges and technical schools offer scholarships, grants and financial aid. Many scholarships can be used at any accredited school, and some are specifically for them.
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Are scholarships the only kind of aid?
No! Financial aid can come in many forms. In addition to scholarships, look into grants, loans, and college work-study.
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What about contests and programs that don’t give money awards, are they important?
Yes! Honors, internships, conferences, contests, and selective programs offer you the chance to get an edge on scholarships. They look great on a resume and they could make the difference in getting you a scholarship or acceptance to the school of your choice. Additionally, these opportunities allow students to network, meet future professors and possible recommenders.
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Where can I look for scholarships and financial aid?
Talk to your high school counselor about your post-secondary plans. Counselors are often asked to nominate students for specific scholarships. Your counselor may be able to recommend specific scholarships. Check the Financial Plan Tab in Maia Learning - website as new scholarship opportunities are posted throughout the year.
Parents can help by checking with their employers. Many companies offer scholarships to the children of the people who work there. You can also check with local civic groups, like the Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs. Your local Chamber of Commerce may have a list of service organizations in your community.
