What is Federal Student Aid?

• It is financial assistance provided through the U.S. Department of Education that is available if you're enrolled in an eligible program* at a college/school participating in Federal Student Programs.
• *In order to be eligible to accept federal aid, a school must have accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Before deciding on a school you will want to find out their status in this regard. If they are not accredited you will not be able to use most scholarships or any federal aid for which you are eligible.

Who should apply?
Every student/parent should apply to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

• Even though you may not qualify for grant money from the government, filling out the FAFSA is still a very important step for all students to take.
• The alternative ORSAA (Oregons Student Aid Application) is for undocumented students to receive state aid. (More information about this can be found here).

Why should you apply?

• People often qualify for grant money they didn't realize they would qualify for; especially in Oregon where FAFSA applicants are also eligible for the Oregon Opportunity Grant- a grant uniquely available to Oregon students of low and middle income families instead of just low income families.
• FAFSA is the route to qualifying for work study.
• FAFSA is the route to qualifying for Federal Loans which have the lowest interest rates.
• FAFSA is required by colleges/universities to determine what kind of financial package they will give you (their decisions are not necessarily based on the same criteria as the government).
• FAFSA submission/results are required by many scholarships (as with colleges/univ, their decisions are not necessarily based on the same criteria as the government). This includes the North Bend Community Scholarship.

When should you apply?

• The FAFSA opens on October 1 every year. Several grants and other scholarships are first-come-first-served, so it's in your best interest to file your FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens.

THE OREGON OPPORTUNITY GRANT (accessed through FAFSA or ORSAA) IS ONLY AVAILABLE until funds are depleted, so file the FAFSA ASAP to be considered for this important grant.

The Oregon Promise Grant (requires the FAFSA) is open until June 1st, for a college Fall Term start. (You must start school at an Oregon community college within 6 months of high school graduation.)