Financial Aid
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Big changes are coming to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) this year. As a result, the FAFSA application will not open October 1st as it has in the past. The FAFSA will open in December.
What is Federal Student Aid?
- A part of the U.S. Department of Education
- The largest provider of student financial aid in the nation
- Provides more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or vocational school.
The Financial Aid Process
- Students and parents should start by applying for a FAFSA ID number on the FAFSA website. The ID allows students to apply for financial aid and complete the online financial aid application.
- Students can first apply for financial aid starting in December of their senior year if they are planning on attending a post-secondary school the following fall.
- Students apply by completing the FAFSA online. Be sure to follow all instructions online to ensure the college of your choice receives your application.
- You can electronically sign the application with your FAFSA ID. You can always go back and update or correct information on your application as long as you keep your ID number.
Important Financial Information:
- Parents must provide their information even if they are not planning on financially assisting the student with their post-secondary education.
- Check with the college to see if there are additional financial aid forms to be completed.
- The FAFSA application could take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
- Students specify on the FAFSA the post-secondary institutions they wish to receive family financial data.
- Financial Aid offices at the college determine what aid the student qualifies for and will notify the student by sending an award letter.
- FAFSA is the form used to apply for federal and state financial aid.
- Financial aid is available to students attending full-time as well as part-time.
- College financial aid offices are a great resource and can be contacted with specific questions.
Scholarships
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Due to the number of scholarships available, it is important to remember that this is not an all-inclusive list of all scholarships. You are encouraged to look at your intended college's scholarship website to learn more about specific scholarships offered by that college. In addition, using or creating an account on a scholarship search site such may be helpful in finding additional opportunities.
It is recommended not to use any scholarship program or website that charges a fee for their service.
This is a video essay scholarship sponsored by Tobacco Free North Dakota; offering a $1500 scholarship to a senior who submits a 1-3 minute video on topic listed in link. Deadline is November 27, 2023.
Two $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors. Based on 500 word or less essay on career plan. Deadline is December 1, 2023.
Students of Integrity Scholarship
Anticipate awarding two $2500 scholarships to North Dakota or Minnesota high school seniors who will be attending an accredited post-secondary school starting fall 2024. Based on essay discussing how the student has demonstrated integrity and ethical decision-making skills to overcome a challenge. Deadline is January 1, 2024.
Four $300 scholarships to seniors planning to continue their education at accredited post-secondary schools (4-yr, 2,yr, or trade school). Winners are then eligible to compete three of the fifty $1000 scholarships. Access application at website and mail completed application to ND JCI Senate the Scholarship, 1372 32nd St S #7, Fargo, ND 58103. Deadline is January 19, 2024.
ND Association of Counties Scholarship
Several $2000 scholarships to students with a parent or grandparent employed by a county. The student must plan to attend an accredited ND college or technical school. Deadline is May 24, 2024.
A $500 scholarship to a high school senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher with the best drug and/or alcohol abuse related essay from your state/region. No deadline listed.
