How to apply for financial aid at Virginia Western?

I'm thinking about attending Virginia Western and I heard a few great things about their financial aid package but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone provide guidance on how to go about applying for financial aid there?

Absolutely! The process of applying for financial aid at Virginia Western Community College is, broadly, the same as at other colleges. Here's your step-by-step guide:

1. Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and foremost step in securing financial aid. This determines your eligibility for federal aid programs including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. To fill out the FAFSA, you'll need tax information for you and your parents (assuming you're a dependent), social security numbers, and information about assets and income.

Virginia Western's FAFSA code is 003760, which you'll need when filling out the application so the schools you're interested in receive the information.

2. Apply for State Grants: Virginia residents should apply for state grants, such as the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) and the Commonwealth Award. These grants are awarded based on financial need, and you'll be considered for them automatically when you fill out your FAFSA.

3. Check into College-specific Scholarships: Virginia Western offers several college-specific scholarships. Most of these scholarships are awarded based on factors like field of study, community service, leadership, and more. You can check into these on the Virginia Western's scholarship page.

4. Consider Work-Study: If you're eligible (based on FAFSA results), the Federal Work-Study program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing you to earn money to help pay education expenses.

Remember that you have to apply for financial aid every year you attend college. Also, each of these options may have different deadlines, so make sure to stay on top of those. Lastly, you should contact Virginia Western's financial aid office if you have any questions or need more detailed guidance, they are there to help you navigate this process. Best of luck on your financial aid journey!