A college education is one of the biggest purchases you and your parents will ever make. The amount of financial aid and scholarship information is vast and confusing. Listed in this section are basic guidelines and useful resources to begin your financial aid search.

Most financial aid is based on your need for money to attend a college or university. Some scholarships may be based on other factors such as your academic record, athletic abilities or a special talent; these scholarships may be awarded to you regardless of your financial situation. You should apply for financial aid through the state and federal government programs and through the colleges and universities you want to attend. You should apply for all scholarships for which you might qualify. These scholarships could include state and federal scholarships, scholarships from colleges and universities and local scholarships given by your school, community, church or parent's company. Your school will publicize financial aid and scholarship information through the Career/College Center. Be sure to learn how you can find out about all the sources of money available to help you obtain a college education.

When colleges and universities offer financial aid, they generally offer a financial aid package. That package is based upon the amount that the institution will cost minus the amount that you and your parents can afford to pay. The package usually will consist of a grant, a work-study job on campus and a loan. Colleges and universities expect that you can work part time while attending school and that after college graduation, you will earn enough to pay off your college loans. If you receive scholarships from other sources, some colleges and universities will reduce your financial aid package by the amount of the outside scholarship that you received.

TIPS

• Talk to your high school counselor
• Visit the Career/College center for information
• Ask your parents, teachers, principal and employer about possible scholarships
• Contact colleges and universities about the types of financial aid they offer
• Attend your school's Financial Aid Night
• Get organized; establish a folder for dates, deadlines and information
• Apply for all financial aid and scholarships for which you are eligible
• Pursue every lead; meet every deadline
• Attend Kern County College Night in September

• Basic Financial Aid Terms
  
• Free Application for College Financial Aid
  
• CAL Grant
  

Sites listed in the grid below contain general information about how to search for scholarships and information about college assistance provided to military personnel by the United States government.