Financial Aid Information Page

This web page from Mr. Murphy is all about financial aid: links to sites, scholarship searches, government aid, etc.   The FAFSA Information page is its own page.

Senior Parents -- FAFSA : Be aware that the FAFSA form is required for any type of financial assistance from a college, university, and usually a specialty/trade school. Please go to the FAFSA Information page:  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

   Financial Aid Myths:  1) "...I make too much money, so I won't qualify for aid."   The truth is that there is no income cutoff for aid.  Many factors are involved.  The FAFSA is a triple application for aid--federal, state, and local (school of choice);  2) "...only students with good grades get financial aid."  The truth is that good grades may help, but most federal aid doesn't not involve students' grades.  Maintenance of satisfactory progress toward graduation is more important.  3) "...I'm too old to get financial aid."   The truth is federal student aid is awarded on the basis of need, not age.

There also is a program regarding private colleges. It is the Private College 529 Plan (www.privatecollege529.com). In both this plan and another, parents may prepay tuition years in advance, protecting against future tuition hikes. 

http://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org/   This superior site provides information about the most affordable schools in each state, including Missouri.  In addition, different scholarships, grants, and financial opportunities are present for parents and students who take the time to scroll through the information.

http://www.collegeboard.org   An all purpose site for scholarship searches, financial aid planning, and comparing aid awards.

http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/best-schools-by-majors    Find out which majors pay the highest starting salaries and where top earners went to college.

www.savingforcollege.com This site projects future costs and how much you will have to save, based on your child's age and college preferences.