Financial Aid Resources

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid covers the education costs that you may not be able to afford. Most financial aid is given on the basis of eligibility or need, which is determined by the school you are attending, information you provide about you and your family's ability to pay for your education and formulas set by law.

In general, there are four types of financial aid:

• scholarships,
• grants,
• loans and
• work study.

Scholarships may be based on merit or special interests. Grants are given to students found to be in need. Loans are based on eligibility and are required to be repaid. Work-study provides jobs for needy students to help pay for education costs.

Thorough research could provide you with the extra financial assistance you may need during college. Don't limit yourself to government financial aid. There are also many scholarships available to talented students through private institutions. We have compiled a partial list of financial aid options available to accounting students. Look into any and all options for which you may qualify.

The most important form you will need to fill out to receive financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is designed to determine your eligibility and should be completed as early as possible in the year you plan to start college.

Additional Resources

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - www.startheregoplaces.com

AICPA offers scholarships and provides links to various accounting firms and national associations that offer scholarships to students pursuing an accounting degree. They also offer numerous links to other sites where you can learn about a variety of scholarship funds and other financial assistance opportunities, as well as search thousands of college scholarships matched to different requirements.

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) - www.collegepaystn.com

TSAC is your source for information about financing your college education in the state of Tennessee. Find information on the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and other Tennessee scholarships, as well as state grants, loans and federal programs.

U.S. Department of Education FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - www.fafsa.ed.gov

The U.S. Department of Education administers Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, Campus-Based Programs, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work Study and Perkins Loans.

Did You Know...