If you’re a high school senior you’re probably starting to get excited about graduation. That might lead you toward thinking about college next year and you might start to get nervous about how to afford it. College is expensive. But here are three ways to make it possible.
Step 1: Apply for FAFSA
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for college is to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is an online form you will submit each year that determines your eligibility for student financial aid. Be sure to file FAFSA as soon as possible since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To have your FAFSA information sent to PUC, include PUC’s school code—it’s 001258. Apply for FAFSA at fafsa.gov
Step 2: Apply for Cal Grant
Cal Grant is a financial aid program administered by the California Student Aid Commission that provides aid to California undergraduates, vocational training students, and those in teacher certification programs and can be used at most colleges in California. If you’re planning on attending a private non-profit California college like PUC, Cal Grant is worth up to $9,084 per year. That’s over $36,000 to help pay for four years of college—and it’s free!
To be considered for a 2020-21 Cal Grant award, you must complete the following requirements by March 2nd:
- Submit a 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- Ensure that a certified GPA is submitted to the California Student Aid Commission
Not from California? That’s ok! We have a different step 2 for you!
Step 2: Apply for PUC’s Out of state Scholarship ($1,500-$4,000)
To reward students who choose to adventure outside of their home state, PUC presents the Out-of-State Scholarship. A student whose residential address is outside of California will receive an automatic award of $1,500. Requirements and qualifications:
- Have residency in a state outside of California
- For students who meet the qualifications for a Cal Grant and would receive one if they were a state resident, up to $4,000 may be awarded
Find out more about this scholarship and more by visiting our website.
Step 3. Apply to PUC Promise
PUC is excited to be partnering with Ardeo Education Solutions to offer the first-ever Loan Repayment Assistance Program. LRAP is a financial safety-net we offer at no cost to you or your family. If your income after graduation is under $45,000, we can help you pay back your federal, private, and parent plus loans. This is just for new students coming in Fall 2020.
If you’re interested in learning more about PUC Promise or if you want to register, visit our website!
BONUS STEP: Look for outside scholarships! There are tons out there, you just have to search and apply. Here are a few options we found so you don’t have to! Check out our outside scholarship blog post.
