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GLTHS Financial Aid Resources Page
GLTHS School Counseling Department has developed this resource for students who are planning to go to college and are applying for financial aid. The following links and resources should be used to research and complete the financial aid process.
Information regarding the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law
Students that are an undocumented, non-U.S. citizen who have
- Attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years and earned a diploma or,
- The equivalent, such as a GED/ HiSet) in Massachusetts,
may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at public higher education institutions in the Commonwealth, as well as state financial aid.
Effective July 1, 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has created a new pathway and expanded access to in-state tuition rates and to state financial aid by allowing all students who have attended high school in the Commonwealth for at least three years, earned a diploma or the equivalent (a GED/ HiSet) in the Commonwealth, and have met other documentation requirements to be eligible to pay the in-state tuition rate at public institutions of higher education and to have access to state financial aid (if otherwise eligible for each program). They will also be developing guidelines to determine eligibility timelines for state financial aid. For additional information regarding this new pathway and for updates please click here:
MA Tuition Equity Pathway.
Applications for Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA form is completed by all students applying to college and is used by the federal government to determine eligibility for financial aid. The form allows students to request federal grants, work study, and loans, all in one application. The form is free to complete and must be completed each year the student plans to attend college.
It takes approximately 1 hour to complete the application and you need the following information and documents:
- Verified account and username (FAFSA ID), which is available on the website once you create your account
- Parent/Guardian date of birth, social security number, and email address
- Income and asset information (Previous year’s taxes will supply this information)
Applying for Financial Aid with the FAFSA Form -Informational Video
Links to FAFSA website and form: FAFSA-Student Aid (English)College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile)
The CSS Profile is an online application created and maintained by The College Board that allows college students to apply for non-federal aid. There is a fee associated with this application and it is not required by all colleges. This application is used in addition to the FAFSA. Students should check with their colleges as to whether or not this application is required before they complete one.
Organizations to Assist with Financial Aid
The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
MEFA is an organization that can help students and families plan for college costs in advance. They offer educational programs, tax-advantaged savings plans, fixed private loans and guidance related to financial literacy.
Link to MEFA: Click Here to be brought to MEFA's website
Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
OSFA is an organization connected to the MA Board of Higher Education that is responsible for the management and oversight of all state funded financial aid programs. They seek to promote access and success in higher education through financial aid resources and services. Students interested in learning more about Massachusetts Financial Aid Programs such as grants, scholarships, tuition waivers and loans should access this organization and their resources.
Link to OSFA: OSFA Info and Tools for Students
Helpful Tools in Planning for College
FAFSA Day
MEFA volunteers are present at these events and will answer one-on-one FAFSA questions. This is an excellent way for students and families navigating the FAFSA for the first time, or if they have unique circumstances, to get one-on-one guidance and advice from the experts. To sign up for a local FAFSA day click here: FAFSA Day Registration.
Loan Estimators:
There are two helpful loan estimators for students and families to use prior to completing a FAFSA to understand potential college costs.
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Federal Aid Estimator: Start Estimate
This tool allows students and families to see how much federal student aid they may be eligible for in the following school year. This tool will estimate the Student Aid Index (SAI), not the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), however completing this form prior to completing the FAFSA will help them understand their options for paying for college or technical school by providing an early estimate of how much federal student aid they may be eligible for. -
MEFA Student Loan Estimator: Start Estimate
The MEFA Student Loan Payment Calculator allows you and your student to view the estimated loan payment and the total cost on an undergraduate MEFA loan.
Compare College Costs with the College Cost CalculatorUse this college cost calculator when you receive financial aid offers to compare the aid you receive and determine estimated college costs and balance due at each prospective college.
Scholarships
GLTHS School Counseling Department uses Naviance to list local scholarships. All students have access to their own Naviance accounts. If they need assistance, they should see their school counselor. However, in addition to local scholarships, these two resources showcase a variety of national scholarships that are also available to all students. It should be noted that students should never be charged a fee to apply for any scholarships.
GLTHS Naviance: Click here to log in and check out the Scholarship Page!
Fastweb!: Click here to start your search!
Big Future: Click here to start your search!