The National Catholic College Admissions Association
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Jingqiu Guan, Class of 2011Saint Mary's College, Notre DameHometown: Chengdu, China Major: French and Economics From dance and playing the piano, to her business and French courses, Jingqiu has the opportunity to explore her passions at Saint Mary’s. In her first year, she took a French course and fell in love with the language. A semester in D |
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Kimberleigh CostanzoIona College, New Rochelle, NYHometown: Bethpage, NY Major: Philosophy Minor: Performing Arts Dance, Peace and Justice Studies, and Women's Studies Kimberleigh Costanzo is an honors student at Iona College and a member of the class of 2014. Kimberleigh chose Iona for its location in the suburbs, proximity to NYC and for the small-school atmosphere. “I love all that Iona h |
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Felix LopezThe Catholic University of America - Washington, DCHometown: Buena Park, CA Major: Philosophy, Pre-Law “With picturesque scenery, well-designed landscaping and buildings ranging from old stone castle types to modern industrial types, CUA's campus holds plenty of beauty with its rich history. Also, many people, faculty and students alike, share a great hospitable spirit and show a genuine interest in helping one another. Lastly, public transportation is accessible and dependable with the metro stop on campus and the city of Washington, D.C. and all its professional, social, and cultural opportunities at our fingertips!” |
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Peter HeuerNiagara University, NY“I knew I wanted to attend Niagara as an Education major since I was a sophomore in High School. Niagara's Education program has garnered and maintained the highest respect both nationally and internationally. Academically, there was no questioning my decision. My only fear was that as a commuter, I would miss out on the “college experience”. Niagara, however, has provided me an environment in which I have become both academically and socially involved. Through campus activities and my experience working with NU’s Radio Station and Theatre Department I have begun new experiences that continue to grow every day.” |
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Kate ButtersFranciscan University of Steubenville - Steubenville, OHHometown: Madison, VA Major: Nursing Kate Butters wanted two things out of a college education: an academic foundation that would help her succeed in this life, and a spiritual foundation that would help her succeed in the next. She found both at Franciscan University of Steubenville. | ||
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Kathleen DiMartino, Class of 2010DePaul University - Chicago, ILHometown: Naperville, IL Major: French and International Studies Kathleen says, “You will have a really unique college experience if you attend DePaul. Everything from the city environment to DePaul’s Vincentian values makes this university special.” Service learning |
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Adrienne BoykinFordham University - New York, NYHometown: Middletown, NJ Adrienne Boykin wanted to go to college in New York City, and when she came to Fordham’s tree-lined campus at Rose Hill, she found it “comforting,” she says. “It brings students together.” Boykin, who graduated in |
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Brandon Milonovich, Class of 2011Co-presented with current teachers at a statewide conferenceHometown: Amsterdam, NY Major: Math/Education 7-12 “I do a lot of after school programs with SCRATCH, the computer program language for kids developed at MIT. The great thing is it gives me the opportunity to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in education settings, and to get kids really engaged and to enjoy themselves learning, just the real way a kid should learn. I’ve had the opportunity to see math being taught in other schools and to really learn how math should be taught. Saint Rose trains educators in the student centered model which is really the way children should learn.” |
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Nathan Thornton, Class of 2012University of Portland – Portland, ORHometown: Boise, ID Major: Nursing “The University of Portland creates its own community on The Bluff. I compete in Cross Country and Track. Even though we are in a large school division for sports (NCAA Division I), we have the feel of a small school. You can go anywhere on campus and find someone to talk to or hang out with. Classes are small, and your professors want you to succeed. Nothing can be better than getting on a first name basis with a professor and being noticed in a class.” |
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Adam Hare, Class of 2010Creighton University - Omaha, NEHometown: Overland Park, KS Major: Biology Creighton Students Union President “The opportunities for research and hands-on lab experience are second to none at Creighton. Because of these opportunities, I have been able to acquire the skills with the technology that is needed to land high level internships and was able to get a summer research internship in a neuroscience lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The whole Creighton experience has been truly transformative for me, and it changed me as a person, not just as a scholar.” |
Financial Aid Information for Students
Finding Financial Aid
Don't let the sticker costs of attending a private, Catholic college or university scare you. At private colleges, the average tuition, room and board for the 2009-2010 academic year was $26,273. However, few students are paying that price. Each year, the amount colleges and universities spend on need-based and non-need-based financial aid rises. The fact is that the money is out there for you if you know where to look. Average college aid packages (including federal grants and loans) for a full-time student have risen 68 percent over the last decade.
Students with good grades and test scores or with athletic or artistic ability are in a position to win scholarships based on their performances. You also may be surprised at the funds that colleges are making available for better students. Institutional grants (grants from the college itself) have risen over 50 percent in the last ten years.
Learn the basics of the financial aid process, from federal and state aid to scholarship searches, in financial aid facts. Use the online resources to connect to financial aid web sites, get general information, and apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Questions To Ask The Financial Aid Office
- What is the total cost of tuition and fees, room and board at your college?
- How much has that figure increased annually over the last three years?
- What scholarships are available and how do I apply for them?
- What types of financial aid are available?
- What financial aid applications do I need to complete and when are they due?
- What determines whether or not I will receive financial aid?
- Do you meet the full need of every admitted student?
- Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
- How and when will funds be disbursed to me?
- What is the refund policy for students who withdraw?
The financial aid offices at the colleges to which you will apply are the best places to begin your search for information. The financial aid administrator can tell you about student aid available from the federal government, your state government, the college itself, and other sources. Talk to the college about financial aid early in your senior year of high school.
The most common college-funded scholarship/financial aid programs are merit-based programs, talent-based programs, need-based programs, trait-based programs, and alternative programs such as jobs, various payment plans, and guaranteed tuition plans.
Many colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (also see below) to determine your eligibility for college-based financial aid. Some use the CSS PROFILE application, sponsored by the College Scholarship Service. Check with the colleges of your choice to see if you need to fill out this form. Your high school guidance counselor's office should also have a booklet listing the colleges that use the PROFILE.
Don't Forget About Federal Need-based Aid!
After talking to the colleges you are interested in, apply for federal student aid. The major source of student financial aid is the U.S. Department of Education. According to the Department, nearly 70 percent of the student aid that is awarded each year comes from Department of Education programs.
A critical step in receiving federal aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete a FAFSA online, filing as early as January 1. Filling out this form is well worth your time -- many colleges use the FAFSA information to award aid in their own need-based programs.
Check out the U.S. Department of Education's website about financial aid at studentaid.ed.gov, or contact them at 1-800-4 FED AID (1-800-433-3243) (TDD 1-800-730-8913). They are available from
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.
The major sources of aid from the U.S. Department of Education are:
- Federal Stafford Loans
- Federal PLUS Loans
- Federal Direct Loans
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- Federal Perkins Loans
- Federal Work-Study
Most federal student aid is awarded based on financial need rather than scholastic achievement. For instance, most grants are targeted to high-need students. However, keep in mind that you do not have to show financial need to receive federally guaranteed loans such as PLUS or unsubsidized Stafford or Direct loans.
Where can I get information about state student aid?
To find out about state programs, call or visit the web site of your state education agency (usually in the capital of your state). You can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (see number above) to get the phone numbers for your state. States sponsor both need-based and non-need-based programs.
Other Sources Of Financial Aid
Student aid may also be available from foundations, religious organizations, community organizations, and civic groups. Look into these options after exploring government-based and college-based aid. College financial aid officers or your public library are the best sources for information about aid of this type. Also, check with your parents' employers to see if they award scholarships or have a tuition payment plan.
Are there special scholarships for Catholic students?
Yes, organizations such as The Catholic Aid Association offer scholarships to their members. Call Catholic Aid at 1-800-568-6670 or visit their web site at www.catholicaid.com. Remember to ask college financial aid offices for sources of aid.
To Use Or Not To Use...
You should not have to pay for a service that will help you find free money for college. Your high school may provide a free scholarship search service, and there are plenty of free services available on the Web. These services usually provide a list of sources of private and other financial aid. After you get a list, you have to contact organizations to request their application.
You may have heard that millions of dollars in student aid go unclaimed every year, but don't be fooled. That large figure represents an estimated national total of employee benefits or member benefits. Usually, such benefits are available only to the employees and families of a specific company, or to the members of a specific union or other organization.
Online Financial Aid Resources
U.S. Department of Education
Best place to start looking for federal student financial aid. Provides information on who is eligible and how to apply. Includes links to publications, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and information on tax credits for education expenses.
Families' Guide to the 1997 Tax Cuts for Education
A summary from the U.S. Department of Education of tax credit and savings programs for higher education authorized by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
The Financial Aid Information Page
All about loans, scholarships, military aid, etc. Supplies forms and instructions, calculators, and links.
Financial Aid Resource Center
More information than you'll ever need on all types of financial aid. Offers advice and a free monthly financial aid newsletter.
College is Possible
Good source for basic, unbiased information about financial aid. Includes helpful student aid glossary.
College Savings Plan Network
Good starting point for state financial aid information.
U.S. Air Force ROTC Scholarship
Learn all about Air Force ROTC scholarships and request an application.
U.S. Army ROTC Scholarship
Fill out an online request form for an Army ROTC scholarship application.
U.S. Navy ROTC Scholarship
Learn about the various Navy ROTC scholarships and download the applicant questionnaire form.
College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile
This financial aid application form is required by many private colleges. Complete online or call 1-800-778-6888. You can also access The College Board's free scholarship search service here.
United Negro College Fund, Inc.
Lists scholarships and fellowships available to students attending historically black colleges that are members of UNCF.
CASHE
A free financial aid service offered by Sallie Mae. The database includes thousands of private scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, internships and fellowships.
College Scholarship Search
A huge page of links to college and scholarship sites.
FastAid
A large scholarship search service.
FastWeb
FastWeb matches your goals, hobbies, interests, and background with scholarship opportunities. One of the largest scholarship databases available, with over 500,000 listings. Also provides lots of general financial aid information.
Federal Trade Commission: Scholarship Scams
Find out how not to get duped!
Parents: Click Below For More Financial Aid Information!
>> Order Now!
Why Should I Consider A Catholic College Or University?
Hear the top 10 reasons why, from the President of DeSales University in the Philadelphia area. Fr. Bernard O' Connor's list is here.
MEMBER INSTITUTIONS, JOIN US IN CENTRAL AMERICA!
The registration deadline for our March 2012 Central America Recruitment Program has been extended to January 6, 2012. Don't miss this opportunity to meet over 1300 students, their parents, and high school counselors! Click here (scroll down) for more details and registration information. We hope you can join us.
