Financial Aid / Scholarships
1) The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application opens OCTOBER 1st this year!
That means if your student will be attending any post-secondary institutions in 2017, you should fill this out.
The closer you can fill it out to Oct. 1st, the better chance you have of getting aid if you qualify.
Here is the website: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
2) Even if you think your income level will be too high, many institutions
REQUIRE the FAFSA. It never hurts to fill it out, as your circumstances can change.
3) In order to submit the FAFSA, you must first create an "FSA ID." There are no longer pin numbers,
so everyone must create an ID this year. Both student and parent need an FSA ID.
You can go to fsaid.ed.gov to start the process now.
4) If you have questions or get "stuck" on the FAFSA, feel free to call any local institution's financial
aid departments (i.e., SFCC, EWU, Gonzaga, etc.). They should be able to answer general questions
even if you don't intend to apply there. You can also call FAFSA directly at 1-800-4FED-AID
(1-800-433-3243).
• 7 Things You Need Before You Fill Out the FAFSA
http://blog.ed.gov/2015/12/7-things-before-fafsa/
• 7 Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA
http://blog.ed.gov/2015/12/7-steps-filling-out-fafsa/
• 11 Common FAFSA Mistakes
http://blog.ed.gov/2016/01/11-common-fafsa-mistakes/
Common Questions about Filing the FAFSA
http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/fafsa/. This guide answers the most common questions that students
have about filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Topics include eligibility, special cases, what you need to actually apply, and questions to expect.
A variety of options are available to help you pay for college. Check out the options below and contact the financial aid office at the college of your choice.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Virtually all financial aid sources in Washington use a single application form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After you complete the online form, you can choose which colleges to send it to. You must submit the FAFSA to your college's financial aid office to be considered. For instructions, visit the 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA video tutorial.
Washington State Financial Aid Programs
The state’s student financial aid programs — for example, State Need Grant, College Bound scholarship, state Work Study, Passport to College for foster youth — help tens of thousands of students annually earn college credits, certificates and degrees.
Known collectively as Washington Opportunity Pathways, some of these programs are need-based, while others are based on merit (good grades). Find out if you are eligible for one or more Opportunity Pathways programs.
Funds are Limited, Apply Right Away
Many aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your FAFSA right away. Priority deadlines vary from college to college, so check the college's financial aid deadline.
Students must apply for financial aid every year.
Types of Funding
- Grants — do not need to be paid back
- Undocumented Students/DREAMers
- Loans — must be repaid
- Work Study
- Scholarships — do not need to be paid back
- Workforce transition support — do not need to be paid back. This includes:
- Opportunity Grant
- WorkFirst
- Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)
- Worker Retraining
Financial Aid Tips
- How and when you'll receive the money.
- How much aid will be directly applied to your bill.
- How much your first bill will be.
- What you can expect in future years. (Your financial aid amounts might differ from year to year.)
Quality Education at an Affordable Cost
Washington state community and technical colleges offer the best educational values around. Our tuition and fees average about half the tuition at public four-year universities. You'll save thousands for classes that transfer to universities or prepare you for a career.
1.Tuition and Fees
The following tuition and fees are set by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and apply to all 34 colleges. Every college also charges campus-based fees, like technology fees or lab fees. Visit the tuition and fees page at the college of your choice for more complete cost information.
2. Quarterly Tuition and Fees
| 2017-2018 Tuition* | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| * Rounded to the nearest dollar | ||
| One Quarter (15 credits) | $1,312 | $3,118 |
| Academic Year (3 quarters/45 credits total) | $3,936 | $9,354 |
| 2017-2018 Tuition* | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| * Rounded to the nearest dollar | ||
| One quarter (15 credits) | $2,105 | $6,094 |
| Academic year (3 quarters/45 credits total) | $6,314 | $18,282 |
3. Tuition Waivers
Students who meet certain criteria may be eligible for tuition waivers to help pay for college. These tuition waivers vary by campus, so check with your college registrar's office. Some examples are Oregon border county residents, military veterans and senior citizens.
4. Calculate Your College Costs
Tuition and fees are just part of the cost of going to college. Students also need to pay class fees, books, supplies and other related expenses. Net price calculators can help you estimate how much you'll pay to attend a college after financial aid is factored in.
Happy December!
Before viewing the scholarships listed below, please remember that your student should also be applying for scholarships using free search engines such as:
https://bigfuture.
https://www.thewashboard.org/
Also remember never to pay to apply for the FAFSA or a scholarship!
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STARS University of Washington College of Engineering Program
Who: Must be a potential University of Washington student who would like to major in computer science or engineering, Incoming full-time freshman in the fall of 2019, Washington State resident and graduate of Washington High School, Eligible for financial aid, Eligible students can apply even though they have not yet received their UW Seattle admissions decision. Final consideration for the program is contingent upon admission to UW Seattle.
What: Guaranteed placement into an engineering or computer science program at UW Individualized academic and career coaching from UW faculty Additional Scholarship opportunities Exclusive internship opportunities and mentoring
Due Date: March 31, 2019 (priority deadline December 21)
Where: Applications can be found online at https://www.engr.washington.
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Washington State School Retirees’ Association (WSSRA) Scholarship
Who: Seniors who have a 3.0 GPA who wish to earn a degree in the field of education as a teacher, counselor, speech therapist, occupational therapist, or psychologist
What:$2500 one time (8 awarded) WSSR Foundation Scholarships
$900 for four years (16 awarded) Robert J. Handy Scholarships
$2,500 one time (1 awarded) Neil D. Prescott Scholarship
Due Date: March 1, 2019
Where: Applications can be found online at https://wssra.org/forms/
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Jim and Cheryl Strandy Commemorative Scholarship
Who: Seniors with a 3.25 or higher who wish to enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program pursuing a degree in healthcare
What: $2500 one time
Due Date: March 15, 2019
Where: Applications can be found in the Counseling Center or on our website at https://mlhs.mlsd.org/apps/
Wells Fargo Scholarship Program
Who: Applicants must:
- Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activity)
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent
- Be a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll (or who is already enrolled) in full- or half-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the U.S. for the entire 2019-20 academic year
What: $2,500 Renewable scholarship
Due Date: December 6, 2018
Where: Applications can be found online at scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship
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2019 HonorsGradU Scholarship
Who: Seniors interested in community building & design
What: $10,000
Due Date: March 23, 2019
Where: Applications can be found online at http://www.honorsgradu.com/scholarship-faqs/
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Blue Ribbon Scholarship Application Fair Chance Scholarship
Who: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and must also be currently working, volunteering, or involved in a school-sponsored activity at least 8 hours per month, on average
What: $3,000 one time scholarship
Due Date: February 11, 2019
Where: Applications can be found online at https://thefairfoundation.awardspring.com/home/scholarshipdetails/81275
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Blue Ribbon Scholarship Application Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarship
Who: students interested in pursuing a Criminal Justice Major
What: $5,000 one time scholarship
Due Date: February 11, 2019
Where: Applications can be found online at https://thefairfoundation.awardspring.com/home/scholarshipdetails/81277
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WEBSITES OF THE WEEK
Spokane Community College - 11 week training program for construction careers in the Skilled Trades! http://scc.spokane.edu/Become-a-Student/Apprenticeships/Skilled-Trade-Preparation
Not interested in attending a two or four year college? Visit https://www.aerotek.com/en to be connected immediately to different skilled trades/careers!
Seniors had time provided during English class to begin the application for our local Dollars for Scholars Scholarship application! Ask them to show you at https://public.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?action=userLogin
Looking for more scholarships? Look here: https://www.thewashboard.org/login.aspx and here: https://www.fastweb.com/
ActSix Scholarship - Leadership Scholarship
This is A HUGE local Scholarship and so far there are no completed MLHS applications!
Who: Seniors who are passionate about learning, eager to foster intercultural relationships, willing to step out of their comfort zones, and committed to serving those around them
What: Up to $180,000 over four years at Gonzaga or Whitworth only
Due Date: November 6, 2018
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Who: Seniors who want to enter an accredited engineering college next year with an SAT above 600 math and 580 average for reading/writing with a 3.0 GPA
What: $4,000 one time award
Due Date: January 25, 2019
Where: Applications can be found online at http://washingtonengineer.
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Don’t forget the T-2-4 Scholarship from last week! http://bit.ly/
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WEBSITES OF THE WEEK!
https://collegescorecard.ed.
Remember to visit Xello (the CCR graduation requirement tool) by CLICKING HERE or going to the www.mlsd.org website, and clicking on MLHS and clicking on Medical Lake High School and then under the School tab, click on Welcome to MLHS. Your student will need to use their Google information to log in!
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Ewing C Kelly Scholarship
Who: Seniors
What: One-time award, $2,500 award used for books, computers, room and board
Due Date: Mailed application, postmarked by March 10
Where: PDF Application attached
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VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Who: 9th - 12th Grade Students
What: Up to $30,000
Due Date: October 31, 2018
Where: PDF application attached
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National Honors Society Scholarship
Who: - NHS Members in good standing
What: Up to $25,000
Due Date: December 7, 2018
Where: Opens October 1, visit https://www.nhs.us/scholarship
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ActSix Scholarship - Leadership Scholarship
Who: Seniors who are passionate about learning, eager to foster intercultural relationships, willing to step out of their comfort zones, and committed to serving those around them
What: Up to $180,000 over four years at Gonzaga or Whitworth only
Due Date: November 6, 2018
Where: Open now https://www.actsix.org/nw/
T-2-4 Circuit Scholarship (all seniors should give this a try!)
Who: Seniors that attended MLHS T-2-4 event yesterday!
What: Top three Senior responses will receive a one-time $1000 scholarship
Due Date: October 20, 2018
Where: Applications can be found online at http://bit.ly/
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Advancing Science and Technology in Eastern Oregon (ASTEO) Scholarship
Who: Seniors interested in attending Eastern Oregon University
What: $7,500 annually for tuition and fee for four years
Due Date: February 1, 2019
Where: Applications can be found online at eou.edu/asteo