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    Financial Aid Information - Saint Mark Lutheran School

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    It's FAFSA/CA DREAM ACT Season! Even if you do not think your family may qualify for Financial Assistance, every Senior should fill out the free FAFSA OR CA Dream Act application. Keep in mind that many college scholarship programs and Cal Grant Awards require a financial aid application on file. 

    The FAFSA/CA DREAM Act (2023/24) application window opens October 1st and the priority deadline to apply is March 2, 2023. The earlier the better! 

     

     

     

     

    FSA ID/FAFSA APPLICATION RESOURCES

     FSA I.D.:is needed by both student and one parent to submit the FAFSA electronically.

    You can create your FSA I.D. in advance at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch or you can also watch this step by step video on how to create your I.D.  https://youtu.be/yj1Pn-shze8

    You’ll need your Social Security number, full name, email address (NOT SCHOOL EMAIL) and date of birth. You’ll also need to create a memorable username and password, and provide answers to some challenge questions so you can retrieve your account information if you forget it.  

    FSA ID Powerpoint Presentation (English): presentation with audio

    FSA ID Powerpoint Presentation (Espanol):  presentación con audio

     

    FAFSA Application: Students can start their online FAFSA application at fafsa.gov

    For the FAFSA application: Your/parents federal income tax returns (2021), W-2s (2021), and other records of money earned (2021). (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.) Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable). Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

    RESOURCES: 

     

    CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION RESOURCES

    The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Students can start their online CA Dream Act application at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ 

    RESOURCES: 

Financial Aid Comes in 4 Forms:

  • Financial Aid explained: 

    Grants - This is free money.   

    • Grants may come in the form of money from the state of California (Cal Grant) and students who have an academic GPA of 3.0 or are eligible. Cal Grant funds vary depending on the type of college attending. (community, Cal State, UC, Private)
    • Grants also come in the form of money from the federal government. This is primarily based on total income contribution.
    • Grants can also come from the college you will attend. These grants are usually based on your successful completion of rigorous high school coursework.  They will be included in your financial aid package that is prepared for you once you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

    Scholarships - This is free money. 

    • Scholarships can be need-based, merit-based, or given on the basis of a particular interest or background.  


    Work Study     - This is free money, but it comes in the form of a job. 

    • You must select YES on the FAFSA or Dream Act application in order to be considered. Work study is often dependent on need.
    • This money will be included in your financial aid package that is prepared for you once you submit your Statement of Intent to Register. 
    • Your school will contact you (or you will need to apply) when jobs are available and you will have a chance to choose a job once school starts in the Fall.


    Loans -     This is NOT free money. 

    • You will have to pay it back! Pay attention to payment options. You can begin making payments while in school but not until 6 months after your last day of college. So, if you take a break from school before you graduate you will have to start paying.  
    • These loans are usually offered at a lower interest rate and can help offset the immediate cost of college. 
    • When accepting a loan, consider your career goal and the income the type of entry-level job would offer since you will need to start paying back the loan soon after graduation.

     

Financial Aid Resources

Advance! Financial Aid Presentation

If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.

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