Financial Aid - Paying for College
For many students and their parents one of the most challenging aspects of preparing for college is determining how to pay for it. The resources provided on this page are designed to assist students and their parents in understanding the costs of college and the financial aid opportunities available to them. Please use the links below to help you navigate this page.
Financial Aid Resources
StudentAid.Gov - StudentAid.gov is a new website that provides straightforward and easy-to-understand information about planning and paying for college. The site combines content and interactive tools from several US Department of Education websites. As a mobile-optimized website, StudentAid.gov is fully accessible on tablets and smartphones.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) –FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. We recommend that ALL graduating seniors and their families complete the FAFSA. Whether you think you qualify or not for federal aid, many colleges, universities, and organizations use the information from your FAFSA to determine whether you receive an award from them. You can start your application beginning January 1st, and we encourage you to apply early. Some awards are given on a "first come, first serve" basis so if you wait, you may miss an opportunity. The FAFSA website is comprehensive and if you need help, you can talk to someone "live" while online. Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
The CSS / Financial Aid - The CSS / Financial Aid Profile is a College Board fee-based service that some colleges and universities require you to complete to apply for non-federal financial aid and scholarship programs. Before completing the application, check the Admission's or Financial Aid Office's website for each school to which you applied to verify if it is necessary. There is a fee for this service.
CalGrants - Cal Grants are funded by the State of California for students who will attend a qualifying California college (includes COC), university or career or technical school. You must apply for a FAFSA in order to apply for a Cal Grant. AOC will be submitting GPA verifications directly to the Student Aid Commission in early February. You do NOT need to bring a paper verification form to the school. March 2nd is the deadline--don't wait to start the FAFSA so you can meet this deadline.
COC Financial Aid Office Website – COC’s Financial Aid Office has a plethora of information for students seeking financial aid for college, including information on the different types of aid and how to go about applying for financial aid.
US Dept of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center - This website provides information about the cost of college (including tuition, fees, books, etc).
Santa Clarita Valley Scholarship Foundation – Since 1951 the SCVF has been recognizing and rewarding the achievements of graduating seniors of the William S Hart Union High School District.
Western Undergraduate Exchange – This website provides information about the requirements and procedures for getting your tuition reduced at specific schools in western states.
Valencia High School Counseling Office Webpage – In the right hand column of the VHS Counseling Webpage is a link to a variety of scholarships available to high school students in Santa Clarita.
FinAid – This site offers comprehensive financial aid information on everything from scholarships to grants and loans.
FastWeb - One of the largest, searchable scholarship databases in the United States. It is free to use, and can give you access to information on hundreds, if not thousands, of scholarships that fit the criteria you select.
Scholarships.Com – The other primary scholarship database used by students in searching out scholarships. It is also free.
Estimated Cost of College Attendance
2012-1013 Estimated Cost for Attending a CSU Campus
The Real Cost of the UC - PPT Presentation
Current Scholarship Opportunities
Naviance offers scholarship search and match tools. Students can find these under the "Colleges" tab after logging into their accounts.
Los Angeles County Scholoarship List
A (long) list of scholarships open to LA country high school seniors, along with eligibility requirements and links for information/applications.
Want More Scholarship Info - Click here to find more scholarships listed on the AOC Blog
