TEACHER’S NOTES

I. Discuss the purpose for obtaining college education

A.  Increases job opportunities – improve workforce opportunities with college degree than with a high school diploma

B.  Increase income-earn 77% more per year with a Bachelor’s Degree than with a high school diploma

C.  Reduce unemployment rate-attending college may reduce the need to work while in school

D.  More opportunities for advancement-improve career opportunities

E.  Personal satisfaction-make a positive contribution to society

II. Provide examples of types of colleges and universities in the State of Alabama

A.  Cost for college vary by school type

1.  Public four year colleges and universities-Examples:

·  Alabama,

·  Alabama A&M

·  Alabama State

·  Auburn

·  AUM

·  Jacksonville State

·  Miles

·  Montevallo

·  South Alabama

·  Troy

·  UAH

·  UAB

·  UNA

·  West Alabama

2.  Private four year colleges and universities- Examples:

·  Birmingham Southern

·  Samford

·  Huntingdon

·  Faulkner

·  Oakwood

·  Stillman

·  Tuskegee

·  University of Mobile

3.  State community and technical colleges-Examples:

·  Alabama Southern Community College

·  Bevill State Community College

·  Bishop State Community College

·  Calhoun Community College

·  Central Alabama Community College

·  Chattahoochee Valley Community College

·  Enterprise-Ozark Community College

·  Jefferson Davis Community College

·  Faulkner State Community College

·  Gadsden State Community College

·  Jefferson State Community College

·  Lawson State Community College

·  Lurleen Wallace Community College

·  Marion Military Institute

·  Northeast Alabama Community College

4.  Private career, technical and vocational schools-Examples:

·  Drake State Technical College

·  Ingram State Technical College

·  Reid State Technical College

·  Trenholm State Technical College

5.  Upper Division College:

·  Athens State University

6.  On-line learning schools:

·  Amridge University

·  Columbia Southern University

III. Identify the Cost for Attendance

A.  Tuition and fees—in state tuition vs. out-of state tuition; public vs. private school

B.  Housing –on-campus vs. off-campus vs. at-home

C.  Meals

D.  Books and supplies—new vs. used

E.  Transportation expenses

F.  Personal Expenses

G.  Miscellaneous Expenses

IV. Explain how to obtain money for college

A.  Financial Aid

1.  Free money-scholarships, grants

2.  Work study

3.  Student loans

4.  Other types of aid

a.  Veteran benefits

b.  Tuition assistance

c.  Vocational rehabilitation

d.  Other state and federal programs

V. Identify ways to find outside scholarship money

A.  Access the scholarship web engine --www.fastweb.com

B.  High school counselor

C.  Newspaper

D.  Word of mouth

VI. Explain Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Process

A.  Eligibility Requirements

1.  demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).

2.  have a high school diploma or a (GED) certificate.

3.  be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.

4.  be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

5.  have a valid Social Security Number.

6.  register with the Selective Service if required.

7.  maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.

8.  certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.

9.  certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes

B.  Application Process

1.  To be considered for federal and state aid (grants, work-study, student loans, need-based scholarships), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year

2.  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov

3.  It is a FREE application. It doesn’t cost anything to complete.

4.  The high school guidance counselor or college’s financial aid office can help you complete it.

5.  Most schools have priority dates for completing your FAFSA and additional required paperwork.

6.  Schools run out of certain types of grants and work-study. This aid is typically awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

7.  Completing your FAFSA and additional required paperwork by your school’s priority date could mean more money for you.

8.  You MUST re-apply EVERY year.

C.  FAFSA Important Facts

1.  You need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) issued by the Department of Education.

2.  One of your parents will also need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) issued by the Department of Education.

3.  Apply at www.pin.ed.gov

4.  You and your parent should keep your PINs and write them down in a safe, secure place. You will use them each year to electronically sign your FAFSA.

D.  Required documents in order to complete FAFSA

1.  A copy of your W-2(s) and federal tax return from previous year

2.  A copy of your parents’ W-2(s) and federal tax return from previous year

E.  How It Works:

1.  Complete the FAFSA and indicate which schools should receive your information

2.  The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated based on the financial information indicated on the FAFSA

  1. The EFC determines your eligibility for a Pell grant.
  2. The EFC is also used by your school to determine what other types of aid for which you may qualify

F. Determining Financial Need-Know the formula:

Example: Your 1st School choice

Cost of Attendance $15,000

Expected Family Contribution $ 2,500

______

=Financial Need $27, 500

G. Award Letter

1.  Schools will notify you of your financial aid award

2.  You may receive a paper award letter or you may receive an electronic award notification

3.  Total award amounts are broken down into fall and spring amounts

4.  Consider your final cost when comparing award letters