College help
My daughter is a senior in high school and has been accepted to Loyola. They are offering a $20,000 a year grant but as a single mom I still need help. Where do I start looking? I never went to college so this is all new to me.
Terry Says
OK, first step is to contact the Loyola financial aid office. They have given a nice grant, but tell them you need more. They may have other grants, or work/study programs available.
Second, go to www.Scholarships.com and immediately fill out all the info and have her apply for all possible scholarships. Deadlines are any minute.
Then read EVERYTHING on this website –it will be your “home base” for all of the best info:
https://www.finaid.org/
You’ll see the difference between loans and free money. The goal is to try to get as much “free money” as possible.
Then go to the Illinois Student assistance department. Click this link:
https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/illinois-and-federal-financial-aid-programs.html
Start IMMEDIATELY, because you will have to fill out the parental financial aid application — the FAFSA — free application for Federal Student Aid. That is a separate process, which you should start immediately. Learn more here:
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Does your high school guidance office offer help. I’m sure you will be overwhelmed, but if you can get their attention they can guide you. And please write back if you are confused. The whole idea is to search in as many places for as much money as possible! And the “last” place you want to go is Parent Plus Loans from the govt — because they are ultimately the most expensive loans!
