When people say the words “financial aid,” it may bring up a number of mixed emotions. You may think financial aid is magical unicorn money you’ll never qualify for, or that the application process is hard. Well, I am here to dispel these myths and tell you what financial aid really is!
Financial aid is money to help you pay for college.
Financial aid can come from the federal government, state; school and private lenders, and outside scholarship donors. You don’t need magical unicorns to apply! If the process seems too tricky, you can visit the EFSC Financial Aid Office for help.
Let’s talk a little bit more about types of aid and how you can get it.
Grants
A type of gift aid from the federal government or state that you don’t have to repay. It is essentially free money to help you with your college expenses. Not all students qualify for grants. This type of aid is considered need-based. Your FAFSA application determines whether you have need for grants. Some grants from the state are also first-come, first-served, so you want to make sure to apply early every year.
Federal College Work-Study
This is a type of self-help aid. If you qualify for this type of aid, you can apply to work in a part-time job on campus and get a paycheck. Just like grant money, work-study money is need-based. Your FAFSA application determines whether you have need.
Loans
Borrowed money to help finance your college expenses. Just like other loans you might borrow to purchase a car or house, student loans are funds to help you purchase your college education. Keep in mind you must repay loans — sometimes with interest.
- To apply for Grants, Federal College Work-Study or Federal Student Loans, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year.
- For example, if you are a high school senior or a returning Titan and you plan on taking classes any time during Fall 2020, Spring 2021 or Summer 2021, you can complete the 2020-21 FAFSA starting October 1, 2019.
- Make sure that you submit your FAFSA as early as possible to meet important deadlines.
- View a list of Financial Aid Priority Deadlines, and be sure to check your myEFSC message center for any additional documents that may be due to the Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships
A type of gift aid from the state, school or outside donors that is based on academic merit or special talent. Scholarships do not have to be paid back. They come from a variety of sources!
- If you are a Florida high school senior, you can apply to the Florida Bright Futures Program for state scholarships.
- You must complete this application during your senior year of high school (or by no later than August 31 after your high school graduation).
- If you are an admitted student or a current Titan, you can apply for our Foundation Scholarships through myEFSC by clicking on the “Titan Awards” icon. Usually, you must complete Foundation scholarship applications a term before using the award. For example, Spring Term Foundation scholarships are applied to Fall Term.
- Learn more about Eastern Florida State College scholarships.
The Financial Aid Office
Did you know that the Financial Aid Office is available on each of the four Eastern Florida campuses? You can visit the office in person, or you can also reach us by email at finaid@easternflorida.edu or by calling 321-433-7339.
Now that you know about the different types of aid and how to get it, get out there and apply. Your future is waiting at EFSC!
- Your StudentAid.gov Dashboard - October 20, 2021
- Yes, You Can Use Your Financial Aid To Buy Books! - June 2, 2021
- Thinking About Borrowing a Federal Student Loan? - March 31, 2021
