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Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Students should research scholarships and grants from the schools they are interested in by utilizing the specific institution's financial aid department and website. All universities have different requirements for their financial aid and students must pay attention to the deadlines and applications of the specific schools to which they are applying. Click on the links below for more information on financial aid. Visit our Scholarships page to the left for links to numerous scholarship opportunities!

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - What is FAFSA and why should I fill it out? The FAFSA opens each year on October 1st and is a critical step for students seeking financial aid for college, career school, or trade programs. Completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for federal grants, work-study opportunities, and loans, as well as many state and institutional aid programs. Families are encouraged to complete the application as early as possible to maximize eligibility and access to funding. Click here for a brief overview and click here to apply.

The Virginia FAFSA Help Desk is open and ready to assist. Just text “Hello” to 434-478-4003 to get answers to your financial aid questions from a real expert within 24 business hours. In addition, SCHEV and uAspire are offering a six-part webinar series (click on the flyer for dates from October to April) covering key financial aid topics:

  • FAFSA Completion
  • Financial Aid for Current College Students
  • Scholarship Basics and Tips
  • Next Steps After the FAFSA
  • Financial Aid Offer Review
  • Summer Steps for Financial Aid

Check dates and register here: www.uaspire.org/schev

Understanding the FAFSA - Do you need money to go to college?  If you want help from the federal government, you’ll need to fill out an online form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA.  Your state government and individual colleges may also use the FAFSA to award financial aid.  There is lots of money available, more than most students think.  Click here for more information about filling out the FAFSA, comparing college offers, frequent questions, and special circumstances.

Federal Student Aid Support Chatbot: Cardi - The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Department of Education introduced Cardi, a new chatbot designed to assist students and families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Cardi is designed to ensure students receive the financial aid they need.  Key features of Cardi include 24/7 access for instant FAFSA assistance, user-friendly and easy to understand language, features both FAFSA and Virginia-specific financial aid information.  To see Cardi in action visit FAFSA and FSA ID texts. 

FAFSA Completion - Do you have concerns related to your high school within the data or on the FAFSA form? The Federal Student Aid “FAQ” and “Data Details” pages reflect recent changes and trending questions, including the definition of a senior, why some schools are not listed on the FAFSA form, and common errors or misconceptions when analyzing the data.

Community College and the FAFSA - The cost of higher education is only increasing, whether you plan to attend a community college, a private university or a public institution.  Fortunately, there are various programs available to help parents and students pay for college.  However, most of these programs are dependent on you completing and submitting the FAFSA. Click here to find out how it applies to community college students. 

ECMC Student Resources - ECMC provides resources that can help you make informed decisions about planning and paying for college, to include Financial Awareness Basics, Resource Guides, an Estimate of College Costs and more!  Click here for more information.

Decoding Financial Aid Offers - The Sallie education solutions company offers a resource on Decoding Your Financial Aid Offers and a Financial Aid Offers Comparison Worksheet to help cut through the jargon, avoid surprises, and provide a straightforward way to compare multiple offers.

If you are a foster, unaccompanied, or homeless youth, please see below for additional financial aid resources.

Project LIFE - Project LIFE (Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment) has many tools and resources to help teens and young adults from foster care to thrive.  Click here for more information.

Great Expectations - Every student deserves a bright future. In Virginia, thousands of students who have experienced foster care find success through a Great Expectations program at one of Virginia’s Community Colleges. From selecting a school to securing financial aid to cover your tuition, Great Expectations can make it happen for you. Click here for more information.

FAFSA Simplification Act and Homeless Youth - The FAFSA Simplification Act aims to remove many of the barriers faced by youth experiencing homelessness or with experience in foster care.  Use this resources to familiarize yourself with the changes for homeless and foster youth.

ECMC Resource Guides - ECMC provides college resource guides that cover a range of topics related to preparing for and going to college, to include housing insecurity and college, accessing college as an undocumented student, navigating the financial aid process and more!  Click here for more information.

Homeless Youth Handbook - The Homeless Youth Handbook is a guide for homeless youth with information about your rights, responsibilities, and resources in every major aspect of your life. Each Handbook is created based upon State specific law – look at the Handbook for the State you live in for additional help and information. If your State is not available yet – check back!  New States are added often. Click here for more information.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers a comprehensive range of services consisting of workforce development activities benefiting job seekers—adults, dislocated workers, youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans, individuals with disabilities—and employers.  Browse the State Training Provider Directory for job opportunities in the local area.  Click here for a WIOA Fact Sheet and here for more information.

This list is for general informational purposes only.  Appearance on this list does not constitute an endorsement and descriptions of services from providers is not exhaustive.