FINANCIAL AID TIPS FOR SENIORS

Please view this resource for tips for seniors navigating the financial aid process. Presented by WCPSS Financial Aid Advisors.

Understanding your Financial Aid Award Letter

Scholarships

FAFSA Hub
The FAFSA Hub is your guide to help pay for college; outlines new FAFSA Process.

FAFSA Completion
If you are a high school senior and have not yet completed your FAFSA, there is still time to submit.  For assistance, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to get your FSA ID (and an ID for one parent) and complete your FAFSA.

Already Completed Your FAFSA?
Remember to check your Student Aid Report (SAR) that you received in your email after you submitted your FAFSA. The SAR will provide an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and provide instructions if there are any changes that need to be made.  Go to fafsa.gov, log in with your FSA ID, on the “My FAFSA” page, select “view” my Student Aid Report (SAR).

FAFSA and RDS Information:

Navigating FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and RDS (Residency Determination Service)

RDS 10 Things to Know Before You Start RDS

LatinxEd's College y Consejos

DACA Fee Assistance

Latino Community Credit Union “Dreamer” Loans for the $495 application fee 

https://latinoccu.org/products-and-services/loans-credit/dreamer-loans/

Mission Asset Fund Loans & Grants for $495 application fee

$247.50 grant + $247.50 no-interest 10-month loan

https://www.missionassetfund.org/daca/

Post-Secondary Planning Resources

College Advising Resources for Undocumented Students & Their Allies
https://bit.ly/cycUndocuGuide
Published by College y Consejos, an initiative of LatinxEd

An Educator’s Guide to Postsecondary Policy for Undocumented Students 
https://bit.ly/UndocuGuideSACAC
Published by SACAC

College Options for Undocumented Students
https://www.cappex.com/articles/match-and-fit/college-options-undocumented-students
Published by Cappex

Higher Ed Immigration Portal
https://www.higheredimmigrationportal.org/
Digital platform that integrates data, policies, and resources about DACA, undocumented, other immigrant, international, and refugee students

Guide for Undocumented High School and College Students
https://www.informedimmigrant.com/guides/students/
Published by Informed Immigrant

So Much Potential
https://somuchpotential.org/
A DACA and undocu-friendly college planning resources site for school counselors
Created by Dr. Laura Gonzalez at UNC-Greensboro