The decision to attend a vocational-technical college is an extremely important one. The specialized education and training will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to be successful in the career of your choice. But how will you pay for it?

Education is an investment in your future. Before you choose your career, it is necessary to consider how much time, money, and commitment you have to prepare yourself for a career. Choosing the right career and paying for college takes planning, forethought, dedication, and commitment.

Financial Aid can be the stepping-stone to your future success. The purpose of financial aid is to assist students with their educational expenses so that financial barriers do not prevent them from achieving their educational goals.

What Is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is the assistance available to help students pay for the costs of attending a vocational-technical institution. Financial aid is provided by federal, state, institutional, or private sources and may consist of grants, loans, work-study, or scholarships. Each year, billions of dollars are given or lent to students, and about half of all college students receive some sort of financial aid.

Most financial aid is awarded based on financial need, college costs, and the availability of funds. This aid is provided to students because neither they nor their families have all of the resources needed to pay for a college education. This kind of aid is referred to as need-based aid.

What are the eligibility requirements?

In general, to be considered eligible for federal financial aid, you must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen

• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited institution

• Be making satisfactory academic progress in your course of study

• Not be in default on any loan or owe a refund or repayment on any previous financial aid received at any institution attended

• Be registered with the Selective Service, if you are required to do so

Merit-based aid is awarded to students who may or may not have financial need. Students are given assistance because they have a special skill or ability, display a particular talent, have a certain grade point average, or are enrolled in a specific program.

Types and Sources of Financial Aid

There are several types of financial aid offered to help pay for educational expenses:

• Grants

• Loans

• Student employment (work)

• Scholarships.

Grants and scholarships are "gifts" and do not have to be repaid. Loans are borrowed money that must be paid back over a period of time, usually after the student leaves school. Student employment is normally part-time work arranged for a student during the school year. Wages received by the student are used for specific college expenses.

The primary source of aid for students attending a vocational institution of higher education is from the federal government. The federal government offers both grant and loan financial aid programs. State assistance may also be available. Other sources of aid that award money to students come from private foundations such as corporations, civic associations, unions, fraternal organizations, and religious groups. In addition, many companies offer tuition reimbursement to their employees and/or their employees’ dependents. The personnel department at either your or your parents place of employment can tell you whether or not the company offers this benefit and who may be eligible. Lastly, there are also some colleges that offer awards from their own funds or from money received from various organizations. This type of aid is often referred to as "institutional aid." Although most vocational institutions have little or no institutional aid available, the student should still be sure to ask the college about this type of assistance.

Determining Financial Aid Eligibility and Financial Need

Eligibility for financial aid is determined by subtracting the amount you and your parents can contribute from the cost of attendance. An assessment of your family’s ability to contribute toward educational expenses is made based on the information you provide when applying for financial aid. Income, assets, family size, and number of family members in college are some of the factors considered in this calculation. This assessment, referred to as need analysis, determines your financial need, which is defined as the difference between the total cost of attendance and what you are expected to pay. Financial need will vary between colleges because of each school’s different costs of attendance.

Determining the Student’s Status: Independent or Dependent?

Remember that both students and parents are expected to help pay for college costs. This means that you, as the student, will be expected to contribute to your educational expenses.

If you are considered dependent by federal definition, then your parents’ income and assets, as well as yours, will be counted toward the family contribution. If you are considered independent of your parents, only your income (and that of your spouse, if you are married) will count in the need analysis formula.

To be considered independent for financial aid, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be at least 24 years old.

• Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Be married.

• Be an orphan or ward of the court.

• Have legal dependents other than a spouse.

• Be a graduate professional student.

Applying for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, it is essential that you properly complete the necessary forms so that your individual financial need can be evaluated. It is important to read all application materials and instructions very carefully. The financial aid office of the school you are attending will be happy to provide you with guidance and assistance.

Most vocational schools use just one financial aid application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is a four-page application available at your college’s financial aid office, local high school guidance offices, and state education department offices. Students can apply for federal student aid via the Internet by using FAFSA on the Web. FAFSA on the Web can be accessed at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Financial Aid Recipient

As a student consumer, you have a right to:

• Be informed of the correct procedures for applying for aid, cost of attendance, types of aid available, how financial need is determined, criteria for awarding aid, how satisfactory academic progress is determined, and what you need to do to continue receiving aid

• Be informed of the type and amount of assistance you will receive, how much of your need has been met, and how and when you will be paid

• Appeal any decision of the financial aid office if you feel you have been treated unfairly with regard to your application

• View the contents in your financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act;

• Know the conditions of any loan you accept.

It is your responsibility to:

• Complete all application materials truthfully and accurately and comply with deadline dates

• Review all materials sent to you and read and understand all documents. Be sure to keep copies of all forms you sign

• Know and comply with the rules governing the aid you receive

• Provide additional documentation and/or new information requested by the financial aid office

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

• Keep your local and permanent addresses current with all pertinent school offices

• Use financial aid only for expenses related to the college

Remember that your dreams come true when you act to turn them into realities. Financial aid is the means by which you can achieve your dream of obtaining an education and pursuing your career. Use it wisely and you will succeed.