Paying for your post secondary plans (Financial Aid, OSAC, Local Scholarship, VA Programs, Self Pay)

For many students and families understanding how to finance your after-high school plans can be a complex and unfamiliar experience. We have provided links and informational resources to help you navigate this process. In addition, each college and trade school has financial aid experts who can assist you with questions. Your counselor will be happy to work with you to make those connections. 

There are typically 6 ways to pay for college:

1. Federal Financial Aid-FAFSA https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

2. State Financial Aid-OSAC (The Oregon Promise & Scholarships) https://app.oregonstudentaid.gov/

3. Local scholarships through your school district (See Scholarship on the counseling center web page) http://shs.santiam.k12.or.us/college-and-career-advising/

4. Veteran Affairs/Military –https://www.va.gov/education/#get-gi-bill%C2%AE-and-other-education-benefits

5. Scholarships direct through the college (Athletic, Academic, or other)

6. Self Pay

1. Financial Aid (FAFSA)

Financial aid is money that can help you pay for college. Some aid needs to be paid back or earned, and some aid is a gift. This money is available to all kinds of people. Here are seven important things you should know about financial aid.

1. Financial aid can help you go to college

Getting financial aid can make it possible for you to go to college. Or it might enable you to attend a college you thought you couldn’t afford.

2. A total of $183.8 billion in aid was available in 2014-15 undergraduate aid.

There are four main sources:

  • The federal government (the largest source)
  • State governments
  • Colleges and universities
  • Private organizations

3. You have to apply to qualify for aid

One thing is for sure: If you don’t fill out financial aid forms, you won’t get any aid. Even if you think you may not qualify, you should still submit the forms.

4. The FAFSA is the place to start — and it’s free

To qualify for many types of aid, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application gives you access to these types of aid:

  • Grants and scholarships: money you don’t have to pay back
  • Work-study jobs: paid, part-time work that’s generally on campus
  • Loans: money you need to pay back, usually after you graduate

5. The FAFSA isn’t only for federal aid

The FAFSA qualifies you for federal aid, but many state governments and colleges also use this application to award their own aid.

6. Completing the FAFSA is convenient

Complete the form online at www.fafsa.gov or download paper forms there. You can even import your family’s tax information directly from the IRS website.

7. More aid is out there

Once you have completed the FAFSA, you should apply for these types of aid:
2. Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)

OSAC- Helping Oregon students plan and pay for college. This is a state resource! https://app.oregonstudentaid.gov/

OSAC is a state office that helps Oregonians plan and pay for college by providing scholarships and other financial aid, mentorship, informational resources, and more.

Chemeketa Scholars –https://www.chemeketa.edu/cost-aid/chemeketa-scholars/

 
3. Local scholarship typically offered(See website on college and career advising)

Please note these scholarships are contingent upon outside funding and offerings, they are subject to change. We will update any changes as soon as we are notified by the scholarship. Students will be notified of scholarship opportunities, via email, Facebook, and posting in the counseling area.

The Quinn (Full four years University of Oregon)

The Delapp Scholarship

The Santiam  Scholarship

The Lions Club Scholarship

The Elks Scholarship

Stayton Rotary Scholarship

The Youth Benefit Golf Tournament Scholarship

Cline Memorial Scholarship

Anita Leach Memorial Scholarship

The Tom Hirons Memorial Scholarship

The John Ruby Memorial Scholarship

Clyde E Golden Scholarship

The Wolverine Scholarship
4. Veteran Affairs

VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned.

https://www.va.gov/education/#get-gi-bill%C2%AE-and-other-education-benefits
5.  College Specific Scholarships

Many colleges offer scholarships specific to their college. This could be an athletic scholarship to play a sport at the collegiate level. It could be an academic scholarship for your cumulative G.P.A. or rank in your class. It could also be for your score on the SAT or ACT. In addition, there are many other types of direct scholarships that schools offer for areas that are specific to a department of activity. Contact your athletic director for the information you will need if you are pursuing an athletic scholarship. In addition, you can contact your assigned counselor for help with other types of direct college scholarships. 

 
6. Self-Pay

If you are paying for college for yourself you will work directly with the college’s business office to arrange payment. Payment is usually paid by term.