How to Apply for Free Government Grants, Loans & Scholarships

Hello, I’m Cherry Ashwood. I’m a guidance counselor and I’m going to tell you how to apply for free government grants, loans, and scholarships. The place that you need to start is your free application for federal student aid. That is an online application and you can find that at this website, www.fafsa.ed.gov. In your high school guidance counselor’s office you’ll be able to access a worksheet or maybe your college university’s financial aid office that will help you enter information that you’re going to be asked on the FAFSA.

But it is an online only application. This is the starting point on most government grants, loans and scholarship. And this helps determine your EFC or your estimated family contribution which is basically your need, how much is the government going to give you in a grant, loan or scholarship. Everyone is considered to have something to contribute to their education. So they’re going to balance your family need with how much they’re going to award you.

In addition to the standard programs, Stafford loans, Perkins loans and such, you can also do an internet search. The internet is always going to be your best resource when looking for financial aid to further your education. Once again, I’m Cherry Ashwood. I’m very proud of you for continuing to look towards your future. Your future starts today.