Over the past several weeks I have shared several different ways to pay for school, in this final article in the series i will provide a recap as well as any resources you may need in order to capitalize on these sources of funding yourself. The most important takeaway for me after doing the research is to make sure to apply, seek help if needed and to be aware of any deadlines. Let’s start with financial aid.
Financial Aid
“Students normally don’t realize how much aid is out there” says Alex Kelly, a financial advisor at Gulf Coast State College when asked about the amount of aid that goes unused every year. Alex also encourages students to call or visit the financial aid office with any questions a student may have during the process. The process always begins with the FAFSA (Federal Application For Student Aid) which needs to be updated every year. This year’s deadline is June 3oth 2023, with any corrections being submitted by September 9th 2023. Even if you may not qualify during one fiscal year, it’s always prudent to do the yearly updates, as your financial information may change and qualify you for the next year. For more information on the FAFSA click here, and for more information about the school’s financial aid office click here. The process for filling out the paperwork may be daunting at first, but always remember that the Financial Aid Office on campus has your back! The most important thing to remember is to apply, and the same can be said about scholarships. For the full article on this topic click here:https://www.commodorewaves.com/2023/04/10/financial-aid-from-an-advisors-perspective/
Scholarship
Like financial aid, there is a lot of scholarship funding that goes unused each year as well, and here at GCSC, the process to apply is relatively easy. Essentially all you need to do is fill out the general application to put you into the running to receive funding from over 700 donors. Once you’ve filled out the general application, the site will also prompt you to apply for any special opportunities that match your information. Malachi Miller, a Digital Media student said “I was surprised when I got mine, I didn’t know the general application put me in the running for so many opportunities”. He was able to get additional funding for his education by simply having the right grades, being aware of the deadlines, and doing his best to fill out the application. For more information on the Gulf Coast State College Foundation Scholarship program click here. When it comes to funding for school i hope you notice as i do, you will literally only get what you apply for, this trend carries over to the GI Bill as well. For the full article on this topic click here: https://www.commodorewaves.com/2023/04/10/good-grades-pay/
GI Bill
Ryant Johnson, a Graphic Design student stated “The application process was fast, you just fill out a form online and you hear back from them within a few weeks if not days”, when asked about the application process for the GI bill. As a fellow user of the benefit, I cannot agree more. I also feel that the Veterans Resource Center is an amazing asset to have access to for any questions you may need answered in person. Once you have everything filled out, and classes start, all you need to do is reply to a text each month confirming that you are still enrolled in classes, how easy is that! For more information on the GI Bill click here. For the full article on this topic click here:https://www.commodorewaves.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=16478&action=edit
