Financial Aid & Scholarship Searches

High school seniors, now is the time to focus on financial aid and scholarship searches! Here is a quick checklist of important things to do to maximize your potential for financial aid.

  • File the FAFSA. This form, found at www.fafsa.gov, gives students access to need-based grants, student loans, and scholarships. It is an important step in the financial aid process, and becomes available on October 1st.
  • Apply for aid through the state. The state of Iowa offers various scholarships and grants for college students. Visit www.iowacollegeaid.gov to see what types of aid are available.
  • Check out scholarships through the college or university. The college or university that you’re attending will be your best bet for scholarships. Ask an admissions counselor for information about scholarship applications, or visit the school’s financial aid website.
  • Look locally. Check with your school counselor about local scholarship applications through your community. Ask you and your parents’ employers if they have scholarships available. If you are involved in a faith community or volunteer experience, ask there as well.
  • Looking for an Apprenticeship program? Visit www.icansucceed.org/careertraining to learn more about career training and registered apprenticeship programs…Earn as you Learn.
  • Search online. ICAN has a database of scholarships and you can search sites like www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, and www.raise.me have nationwide scholarship databases. Check regularly to see if there is anything that meets your criteria.
  • Save. Any amount that you can save now will help in paying for college. Put away money whenever you can. 


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