Understand the FAFSA
The FAFSA is the single most important form in your financial aid journey. It determines your eligibility for federal Pell Grants, work-study, and loans, and it is used by most states and colleges to award their own aid.
Fill it out as soon as it opens each year — federal aid is not first-come first-served, but many state and institutional dollars are. Have your tax documents, Social Security Numbers, and driver's license (if applicable) ready before you sit down.
Compare aid offers, not sticker prices
The advertised cost of a college is rarely the amount your family will actually pay. When aid offers arrive, focus on the net price — total cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Loans are money you will pay back with interest; they should not be treated the same as a grant.
If two offers are close, look at the four-year cost, not just year one. Some schools offer generous first-year packages that shrink in later years.
State and institutional aid
Mississippi students should also research MTAG, MESG, and HELP through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Many of these programs have GPA and course requirements that are easy to miss, so review them carefully with a counselor or mentor.
Institutional aid — money offered directly by your school — is often the largest slice of a strong aid package. Ask each school's financial aid office whether additional aid is available for your specific circumstances.
Ask for a professional judgment review
If your family's financial situation has changed since the tax year on your FAFSA — job loss, medical bills, divorce, a natural disaster — you can request a professional judgment review with your school's financial aid office. Bring documentation and be respectful; financial aid officers are usually eager to help when they can.
Watch out for scams
You should never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship, and no legitimate program will ask for your bank account or Social Security Number to send you money. If anything feels off, contact a trusted adult or reach out to us.
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