Financial aid is categorized as funds provided to students and families to help pay for postsecondary educational expenses.
FAFSA
The main way for students to receive financial aid is to file a FAFSA online fafsa. FAFSA stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid". Students fill out the form with their parents and submit it as soon as possible after January 1 of their senior year.
Oregon residents who submit a FAFSA, automatically apply for:
- The Oregon Opportunity Grant (Need-Based)
- The federal PELL Grant (Need-Based)
- Federal Work Study Program
- All college campus need-based aid programs
- FAFSA is used to determine if students are eligible for Stafford Loans and if parents are eligible for Parent PLUS Loans
- Filing a FAFSA is also a requirement for some scholarship applications
Other Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
Money that does not have to be paid back. Awarded on the basis of merit, skill, a unique characteristic, athletics, community involvement or need.
Grants
Money that does not have to be paid back. Usually awarded on the basis of financial need.
Loans
Money students and parents borrow to pay for college expenses.
Repayment usually begins after education is finished. However arrangements can be made to make payments while the student is in school.
Look at loans as an investment in the future. Only borrow what is needed.
Work Study
Allows students to earn money to help pay for college costs. Student may earn a pay check or non-monetary compensation such as room and board.
Hilhi Family Financial Aid Night
Each year in early December the Counseling/Career Department hosts a Financial Aid Evening. Financial Aid experts will be on hand to explain the federal financial aid process and to answer questions. Date and time of event will be posted on the Hilhi Calendar.