Financing College

Whatever your educational plans, your best source of information and advice about financial aid is with the college or post-secondary school
you plan to attend. As you apply for admissions, be sure to contact the school's financial aid director and apply for financial aid. To explore programs on your own, start with the most popular websites listed below. For answers to questions about any of these sources, contact the Education & Employment Information Center, a statewide clearinghouse on learning and career opportunities operated by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. Remember: Searching online is a great start, but be care to visit only reputable websites!

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Federal Student Aid Resources

  • Federal Student AidThe US Department of Education's website that offers ways to receive money from higher education. Topics include Prepare for College, Types of Aid, Who Gets Aid, the FAFSA and How to Repay your Loans.
     
  • FAFSA: The office of the FAFSA provides grants, loans and work-study funds for college or career school. 
  • FAFSA Checklist
  • How to Complete the FAFSA
     
  • FedMoney.org is a free web guide to all United States Government Grants and Loans benefiting Students. Explore the over 240 federal government programs.
  • The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance under a qualifying repayment plan. 
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CSS Profile

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Connecticut Student Aid Resources

  • Office of Higher Education: CT Department of Higher Education's site outlining sources of federal aid to Connecticut students.
     
  • CHESLA: Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority
     
  • Pledge to Advance CT (PACT) offers Free Community College in Connecticut. PACT funding covers the gap between federal and state grants you receive, and community college tuition and mandatory fees. To receive PACT funding, apply, register for classes (12+ credits), and fill out the FAFSA. Entry into the program will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. Find out more at the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) website
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New England Board of Higher Education Resources

New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break enables thousands of New England residents to enroll at out-of-state New England public colleges and universities at a discounted tuition rate. Visit: https://nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/ for more information.

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Resources from SCSU Financial Literacy

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Resources from Financial Aid Night at DHHS

On October 17, 2022, Daniel Hand High School welcomed one of New England's leading experts on college funding strategies to show options and offer insights. Charles Wareham, Financial Advisor from Vaylark Financial Services, shared numerous ways to assist in financing college, including: 

  • The most effective way to save and invest for college
  • Best loans in today's economy and types you should avoid
  • How to make the most of the financial aid system
  • How to negotiate your financial aid package
  • Resources for scholarships and when to apply
  • Top myths about who qualifies for financial aid

Vaylark Financial Services
750 Main Street, Suite 400
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
(860) 218-2048
www.Vaylark.com

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Types of Federal Student Aid

FAFSA Overview