Most students spend months picking a college, researching programs, visiting campuses, and imagining college life. Then the financial aid talk begins, and things get harder. Forms, deadlines, loans, grants. It is a lot, especially when you are already making one of the biggest decisions of your life.
But financial aid is more accessible than most students think. Nearly all students, domestic and international, receive some form of aid. It just needs to be explained clearly, and that is exactly what this guide does.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly all Webber students receive financial aid from federal, state, or institutional sources.
- Financial aid comes in several forms, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Students from the United States should file a FAFSA to unlock federal and state aid opportunities.
- The Financial Aid Office is available to help every student through every step of the process.
What Financial Aid Actually Is
Financial aid is money available to help you pay for college. It comes from different sources, the federal government, the state of Florida, and the university itself, and it takes different forms depending on your situation, your program, and your financial need. The goal is simple. To make sure the cost of your education does not stand between you and the degree you are working toward.
The Different Types of Aid
Understanding the difference between each type of aid is the most important thing you can do before you enroll. They are not all the same, and they do not all work the same way.
Scholarships: Scholarships are money you do not repay. They are awarded based on academic achievement, program of study, athletic ability, or other criteria. Outside scholarships are also available from private organizations, foundations, and community groups. There is money available that many students never apply for simply because they did not know to look for it.
Grants: Grants are also money you do not repay. They are typically awarded based on financial need and come from federal and state sources. The most well-known federal grant is the Pell Grant, which is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. Award amounts are determined annually and vary based on financial need and enrollment status.
Work-Study: A federally funded program that allows eligible students to work part-time, usually on campus, to earn money toward their educational expenses. The hours are designed around your class schedule so your academics always come first. It is earned money, not free money, but it is one of the most practical ways to cover day-to-day costs without borrowing more than you need to.
Student Loans: Loans are borrowed money you repay after graduation with interest. Federal student loans generally offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Subsidized loans are need-based, and the government covers the interest while you are enrolled at least half-time. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest from the day they are disbursed. Before accepting any loan, understand what your monthly repayment will look like after graduation. Borrow what you need, not the maximum amount offered.
The FAFSA: Where It All Starts
If you are a student from the United States, you need to fill out the FAFSA. This is the most important step in getting financial aid. It determines whether you can receive federal grants, work-study jobs, and federal loans. If you miss the deadline, you may lose aid you could have gotten. So, fill it out as early as you can.
International students are also encouraged to search the financial aid pages for scholarship opportunities that apply to their situation. Financial aid is available to students from all backgrounds.
We Are Here to Help
A university education is one of the best investments you will make in your life. Our financial aid process exists to make sure cost does not get in the way of that investment.
Whether you need help finding additional aid, have paperwork to complete, or are not sure where to start, we are ready to help. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office today, and let us help you figure out the next step.