FINANCIAL AID –   We encourage all students who are considering any type of postsecondary training to apply for financial aid!  Even if families do not receive grants, this is the only way for students to be awarded a work-study job.  Many out-of-state schools or scholarships require you to apply for FAFSA before awarding you a financial aid package or allowing you to apply for their scholarship. Schools use this information to build their financial awards. The FAFSA form opens October 1.  SAVE all FSA ID account information.  You must submit a FAFSA EACH year while you are in college!
  •    Step 1 - Get a FSA ID.  You may secure an FSA ID account at any time for you and your parent/guardian. The FSA ID will be used as your electronic signature when you complete the FAFSA paperwork.  Store your FSA ID (username and password) in a safe location.    
  • Step 2 -  Complete the FAFSA. Small group individual help will be offered at several  FAFSA help sessions. There will be a virtual Financial Aid session on October 2nd at 6:30 p.m. hosted by a local financial aid expert.   
  • Step 3 - Once you receive your SAR (student aid report) estimate, try using the College Scorecard (collegescorecard.ed.gov) to estimate your college costs.
  • Step 4- Later, toward winter, you will receive financial aid award letters based on your SAR from the colleges where you applied and were accepted.
  • Step 5 -Explore additional college financing options such as scholarships, loans, and tuition payment plans. Be a wise consumer- you do NOT have to accept all loans.  Know the difference between them, the interest charged, and the payment plans.
I don't qualify for aid. Should I apply anyway?
Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid such as an unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free. There is no good excuse for not applying.
Do I need to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Most financial aid offices require that you apply for financial aid every year. If your financial circumstances change, you may get more or less aid. After your first year you will receive a "Renewal Application" which contains pre-printed information from the previous year's FAFSA. Note that your eligibility for financial aid may change significantly, especially if you have a different number of family members in college. Renewal of your financial aid package also depends on your making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, such as earning a minimum number of credits and achieving a minimum GPA.
Financial Aid Resources
Ultimate Guide to the FAFSA: http://www.moneygeek.com/education/college/resources/fafsa-guide/
Graduating Without Debt: http://www.moneygeek.com/education/college/resources/debt-free-college-education-guide/
College Savings Plans: http://www.moneygeek.com/education/college/resources/college-savings-plans-guide/
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Need help completing the FAFSA? Click on the video below produced by the Montana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.