Financial Aid Do’s and Don’ts

If you’re wanting to go back to school but wondering how you can afford it, then don’t worry. Here at Central Coast College, we’re committed to helping you in every way that we can so that you can get the education you’re seeking.

Navigating the world of financial aid for college tuition can be daunting, but don’t let the prospect of it scare you from doing everything you can for your education and your future. Here are some tips to help you out, no matter where you’re applying for school:

DO: Seek out help from the financial aid office. At Central Coast College, we have staff who are here to help you find the best financial aid programs available to you.

DON’T: Fall for scams. Unfortunately there are all manner of unethical scammers out there, some of whom prey upon students and graduates of postsecondary education institutions. Some of these scams use enticing words like “free assessment” or “student loan forgiveness.” There are ways to spot these scammers and to protect yourself – check out this post for more details.

DO: Your research. See the previous two points. Take the time to educate yourself about legitimate versus fake financial aid programs. And always ask questions. Don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper, get a second opinion, or consult a financial aid advisor or other professional.

DON’T: Give up. The financial aid process can seem complicated, time-consuming, and intimidating. Even if an application takes longer to process that you were hoping, or even if you didn’t qualify for the first program you applied for – don’t give up! There are different programs and options available, so just keep going.

DO: Explore your options. Like the previous point said, there are many different programs available to you. Also, you can explore other financial options such as scholarships. Like financial aid programs, scholarships usually have an application process and you must meet certain qualifications. However, the list of available scholarships is wide and varied and, with enough searching, you can likely find one or more to suit your needs and background. Check out this post for more information about finding and applying for scholarships.

Here at Central Coast College, we’re here to help you through every step of the financial aid process, so that you can get started on your education. If you need help or have questions, contact us today!

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