Understanding the financial aid process can be perplexing and overwhelming. The following websites will help you navigate through this process with a little more confidence.

Always remember that completing the financial aid applications and getting help with the financial aid process is FREE... be wary of those who want to charge money to help get financial aid or assist in scholarships searches.

The four types of financial aid are:

• Grants - usually need-based money given to students that does not need to be repaid.

• Scholarships - usually merit-based money awarded due exceptional academic achievement, a talent or skill, community service, and/or financial need. Does not need to be repaid.

• Work-Study - money a student earns by working at a college job, usually 10-15 hours a week.

• Loans - money borrowed by students and/or parents that must be repaid with interest.

What is the difference between need-based and merit-based financial aid?

Need-based financial aid is awarded to students who do not have sufficient financial resources to pay for college (as determined by a formula, usually via the FAFSA or CSS Profile). A student's academic record is not a factor. Merit-based financial aid is given to students who have outstanding abilities, talents, or accomplishments, regardless of the financial situation of the family.

Financial Aid Sites:

College Scholarship Service (CSS): https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

• The following colleges, universities, and scholarship programs use CSS Profile® as part of their financial aid process:  https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx   

  Please check schools’ websites or contact the institution for more information. 

  Apply here:  https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

FAFSA: www.fafsa.ed.gov

Creating a FSA ID Guide

The FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) can be submitted starting in October of the student's senior year.  In order to receive student aid for college tuition from the government you MUST fill out the FREE application for student aid online - www.studentaid.gov

Do you have questions about the FAFSA? Here is how to get answers:

FAFSA hotline: (800) 433-3243.

Email contact: FederalStudentAidCustomerService@ed.gov

When parents are working on the FAFSA online, they can click a live help button for assistance.

Western Undergraduate Exchange

Undergraduate students from Idaho may enroll in a participating public institution in other western states at a reduced tuition rate.