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How To Apply

Financial aid comes from many sources - the State of Iowa, the federal government, individual colleges and universities, private businesses or foundations, professional organizations, employers, community trusts, civic groups and other entities. You and your student will need to reapply for financial aid each year.
  1. Search for FREE money
    Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid. Scholarships may be based on special skills, career interests, community involvement, and association with a specific group or geographical area. There also may be scholarship opportunities available from your child's specific college program or major. Check with the financial aid office for opportunities available at the college. Many scholarships are one-year awards; some are renewable. If your child's awards from the previous year are renewable, find out what needs to be done to receive the financial aid again. Typically, any State and Federal Grants received are renewed through multiple years of college, assuming your family continues to demonstrate financial need. For information about scholarship and grant programs and how to apply, visit the scholarship and grant section.
  2. Complete a FAFSA
    To qualify for most financial aid programs, you must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year. If you filed a FAFSA online last year, you will be able to complete a renewal application. You must have your Federal Student Aid PIN in order to access your renewal FAFSA online. Paper applications may be requested by calling 800-433-3243. You also may download and complete a PDF version of the FAFSA that can be submitted for processing.
  3. After the FAFSA
    Within 3 weeks of filing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR contains information about your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as well as initial information about your Pell Grant eligibility. Your SAR will be used by the college to determine eligibility for other financial aid programs. Review your SAR carefully and follow any instructions. If you need to correct or update information, contact the college or go online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
  4. Award Notification
    Once your application has been processed, your college or university will supply you with an award letter outlining your child's financial aid. Your award letter will include any state and federal aid which you are eligible to receive, as well as college-specific financial aid. Your package will most likely include student loans. Evaluate the offer carefully and be sure you understand what is being offered. Keep in mind, many colleges will send the award notification directly to the student. Communicate with your son or daughter to be sure all necessary documents are received. [More Information]