FINDING OUT ABOUT STUDENT AID

Education or training after high school costs more than ever. But post-secondary education is more important than ever, so you need to learn about as many sources of aid as you can.
Approximately two-thirds of all student financial aid comes from federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Sources you can use to find out about federal and other student aid are:

· The financial aid administrator at each school in which you’re interested can tell you what aid programs are available there and how much the total cost of attendance will be.

· The AmeriCorps Program provides full-time educational awards in return for work in community service.

You can work before, during, or after your post-secondary education, and you can use the funds either to pay current educational expenses or to repay federal student loans. For more information on this program, call 1-800-942-2677 or write to: The Corporation for National and Community Service, 1201 New York Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20525.

· Your public library is an excellent source of information on state and private sources of aid.

· Many companies, as well as labor unions, have programs to help pay the cost of post-secondary education for employees, members, or their children.

· Check foundations, religious organizations, fraternities or sororities, and town or city clubs. Include community organizations and civic groups such as the American Legion, YMCA, 4-H Club, Elks, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, and the Girl or Boy Scouts.

· Do not overlook aid from organizations connected with your field of interest (for example, the American Medical Association or the American Bar Association). These organizations are listed in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook and are also listed in various directories of associations available at your public library.

· If you (or your spouse) are a veteran or the dependent of a veteran, veteran’s educational benefits may be available. Check with the local Veterans Affairs Office.

For more information, refer to theStudent Consumer Guide