Calvary

Christian High School

Inspiring Excellence: Mind, Body, and Spirit

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Seniors

Important Financial Aid Dates

October 1st of the Senior Year

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) & aThe Florida Financial Aid Application (Bright Futures & Florida Aid) open for application

December 1 of the Senior Year

Most colleges highly recommend that the FAFSA be completed by December 1

CSS - College Scholarship Service Profile

The CSS Profile is only required by a limited number of colleges to determine financial aid packages. You may file the profile as early as October 1st. However, you should file no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges or programs.

It is primarily designed to give private member institutions of the College Board a closer look into the finances of a student and family. It is much more detailed than the FAFSA and might require a consultation with your financial aid advisor.

You file the PROFILE online at www.collegeboard.org by selecting “CSS/PROFILE” under “Pay for College.” A list of colleges that accept the CSS Profile can be found on the College Board website.

FAFSA

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be available October 1 each year. The information provided on the FAFSA is what the federal government and colleges will use to determine eligibility for need-based scholarships and grant programs. It is recommended that you submit your FAFSA no later than December 1. Money is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is highly recommended that families file the FAFSA even if you think your family may not qualify for federal aid. Not filing a FAFSA will disqualify students from federal loans as well as some scholarships and work study programs. The FAFSA will determine your EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). How to FAFSA videos can be found at the following link.

FAFSA How To Videos

FFAA

Florida Financial Aid Application

Beginning October 1 of the student’s senior year, students must submit a completed Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) to Office of Student Financial Aid (OFSA) for the following state grants and scholarships

Bright Futures Scholarship
Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship
Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant
Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans

Florida Prepaid College Plan

Many families have enrolled in the Florida Prepaid College Plan. Please note these frequently asked enrollment questions posted on www.myfloridaprepaid.com. Please call 800-552-GRAD(4723) or your financial advisor for additional information on how the FPCP can affect your student’s college costs.

Scholarships & Grants (Free Money)

Scholarships are available but you must be proactive to pursue these opportunities! Take time to use the websites under the College Planning Resources page. The college counseling department continually updates scholarships to Naviance as well. You should also ask your colleges to which you are applying, your place of employment (student and parent), and your church and civic groups about scholarship opportunities.

NOTE: Please remember that in researching scholarships, you should never pay for scholarship information.