Understanding financial aid at FAU?

I'm planning to potentially attend FAU and could really use some clarification on how their financial aid works. What are the options like and are there any specific scholarships or grants to be aware of?

While applying for financial aid can seem overwhelming, the process is designed to be as straightforward as possible. At Florida Atlantic University (FAU), the process starts with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

FAU also offers a range of scholarships specifically intended for incoming freshmen. You can explore some of these on the university's scholarships page: https://www.fau.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships. In addition to federal aid and scholarships, Florida residents can also benefit from state aid programs. Florida Bright Futures is a prominent one, offering hefty scholarships to high-achieving high school students. If you are a Florida resident and did well in high school, you definitely want to look into whether you qualify for this program.

Institutional grants are another source of aid. These need-based funds come directly from FAU and unlike loans, do not need to be paid back. Eligibility for these grants is determined by your FAFSA application.

Overall, FAU's Office of Financial Aid is a great resource for information. They can guide you through the process and alert you to any specific aid opportunities you might be eligible for. You should also use FAU's Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of your costs after factoring in potential aid: https://tcc.ruffalonl.com/Florida%20Atlantic%20University/Freshman-Students.

It's crucial to remember to apply for aid and scholarships early. Deadlines can come up quickly and funds are often disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Good luck with your application! It's always worth exploring all your options when it comes to paying for college.