Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions

The basic question of how to finance a college education is uppermost in the minds of students and parents. It should be understood that the family's financial strength is dependent upon a combination of things such as assets, liabilities, family size, age of parents and medical expenses. Parents and students are responsible to help pay for college costs. If the costs cannot be met, then the student has the opportunity to apply for financial help.

When computing college costs, it is important that you include all costs for you to attend school. Food, clothing, transportation, and medical expenses are included in the cost of your education, along with fees and books.

All students should apply for financial aid even if you think you do not qualify. Thus, the rule of thumb, is: ALWAYS APPLY - you will be told if you do not qualify. Remember, two thirds of all college students receive some type of financial assistance.

It is the student's responsibility to meet all financial aid deadlines on time. Information concerning sources of money qualifications and deadlines can be obtained from the following:

Make attending college “mission possible!” The Sallie Mae Fund offers free toolkits and videos on how to pay for college to students or schools. Also available is a 26-minute video on What You Should Know, in English (VHS or DVD) or with Spanish subtitles (VHS only). Finally, the “first comprehensive book on financial aid ever created for Spanish-speaking families” (Ayuda Financiera para su Educacion Superior) can be ordered for no charge as well. To request, fill out an online form or call, toll free, (866) 858-7166.  Web: http://www.thesalliemaefund.org/projectaccess/order_form.html

DETERMINING FINANCIAL AID

The most important criteria for qualifying for financial aid is NEED as defined by the following equation:

Thus, a student who qualifies for financial aid will receive more money if he or she attends a private college with high tuition costs than if he or she attends a state college.

The first step in determining NEED is for the student to submit the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) to the College Scholarship Service (CSS) during the designated time period (generally sometime in February of the senior year.) The CSS is a non-profit agency used for need analysis processing. CSS will send back to the student the amount the student and family are expected to contribute toward college costs. The college Financial Aid Office will then utilize this expected contribution to determine if NEED exists and, if so, how much. Some private and out-of-state colleges require a form called the PROFILE to be filed in addition to the FAFSA. You must check with the Financial Aid Office of the college(s) to which you are applying to determine if this is a requirement. If you are planning to attend a California college you should file the GPA Verification Form to apply for CAL Grants.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID - Grants, Loans, and Scholarships

1. GRANTS

[ Back to beginning of Types ]

2. LOANS

Nellie Mae Information

Educaid

eStudent Loans

A. FFEL Stafford Loan

1. $100-$2,625 per year up to $17,250.
2. Low fixed interest rate (approximately 8%), first payment due 6-9 months after graduation, maximum term is 10 years.
3. Eligibility depends upon family size, income, etc.; easier to qualify for loans than for grants.
4. Obtained through banks and savings and loan institutions (e.g., Valley Federal, Wells Fargo).
5. Must get application from college Financial Aid Office.

B. Supplemental Loans for Students and Parent Loans (SLS and PLUS)

1. $500-$4,000 per year up to $20,000.
2. Variable interest rate loan that is adjusted annually not to exceed 12 percent. REPAYMENT BEGINS IMMEDIATELY.
3. Eligibility depends upon credit standards, which will be determined after all financial aid forms have been received (due March 2). Some colleges may have earlier deadlines.

[ Back to beginning of Types ]

3. SCHOLARSHIPS

AREA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS - The list below includes some of the scholarship programs for which information and/or applications are available at the SHS Counseling Office. The amount, requirements, and deadline were accurate when this list was printed, but are subject to change. These scholarships are announced in the daily bulletin as they are received from the scholarship program.

AFRICAN AMERICAN FUTURE ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP
High school seniors who have at lest one parent of African American heritage and are eligible to attend an accredited post-secondary institution. Deadline has been February 1.

ALLIANCE FOR HISPANIC ADVANCEMENT
This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student of Latino/Hispanic/Chicano Heritage living in the Yuba or Sutter counties. Must be enrolling in either a 2 or 4 year college or vocational programs. Preference for students who have financial need. Must have maintained at least a 2.75 GPA. Deadline has been mid-April.

ASTRONOMY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society (SVAS) offers schoarships up to $500 for students interested in pursuing a degree in astronomy, physics with a minor in astronomy, or astronomy related fields. The SVAS is looking for students who have shown interest in astronomy with high academic standards and community or school involvement. Financial need is not a consideration. Deadline has been mid-March.

BEALE ENLISTED WIVES CLUB
A scholarship program which goes to high school seniors who are dependents of active duty, retired or deceased military members (officers or enlisted). Must have a 3.0 GPA. Awards are based on 75% scholastic achievement and 25% activities, honors, and work. Amount of award varies. Deadline has been April 1.

BOARD OF REALTORS, INC
Scholarships based on outstanding citizenship, academic record, and financial need. Applicants must write an essay of Self-Description. Awards are $650 to $250. Deadline is usually the end of April. Applications must be turned in to the Sutter High Counseling Office. Deadline has been April 30.

CABRILLO CIVIC CLUB
This scholarship is for students of Portuguese decent with a GPA of 3.5 of higher.

CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
For students entering a four-year college or university in California and majoring in an agricultural related field. Award ranges between $1500 and $2000. Deadline has been March 1.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Must register as a full time student at CSU Chico. Student must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above. Consideration may be also given to financial need, specific field of study or other special criteria. Deadline has been February 1.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (For Yuba College students only)
This scholarship consists of two $800 scholarships awarded to students who are majoring in the business field. Students declare Business majors such as Ag-Business, Food Services Management, Mass Communications, and Computer Science. Deadline has been April 1.

CHICO STATE BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP
This $1000 scholarship is open to students who are majoring in one of the degree programs in the College of Behavioral & Social Sciences at CSU Chico. It is based on academics and performance. Deadline has been February 1.

CHICO INCENTIVE GRANTS
The University Incentive grant program identifies deserving students with an award of $300 a year to be reserved for them until they enroll at CSU, Chico. These awards are based on maintaining a good GPA (around 2.75) and demonstrating financial need. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors are encouraged to apply. Once you get an incentive grant you apply for renewals and receive an additional $300 each year. Seniors are not eligible for the University Incentive Grant unless they are renewals. Deadline has been mid-March.

CHICO STATE COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
This scholarship is for students majoring or minoring in and of the many Behavioral or Social Science areas. Deadline: February 1.

COCA COLA SCHOLARS FOUNDATION
This is a national scholarship program. Selections are based on individual character, personal merit, and background. Also, academic achievement and extra-curricular activities are evaluated. Students should have at least a 3.0 to apply. Fifty awards are for $20,000(over four years) and 100 awards are for $4,000 also over a four year period. Deadline is October 31.

CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF TWIN CITIES
This scholarship is based on need, scholarship, and extra curricular activities. Also an essay on a specific topic. Award is not more than $500. Deadline has been April 30.

ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION
"Most Valuable Student" Scholarship Award based on financial need, leadership and scholarship. Application must be filed with the Lodged of jurisdiction on or before January 11.

ELKS VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarships for students who plan to pursue a vocational/technical course of study. (One to two year community college or vocational/tech school) Dead line has been mid-January.

FREMONT-RIDEOUT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship fund was established to create a permanent fund to assist and encourage areas students interested in vocational or professions training in the medical field. Deadline has been early April.

GOLD RUSH FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is for students wishing to become pilots. Deadline has been May 1.

GREAT CLIPS FOR HAIR
For students interested in the field of Cosmetology. Deadline has been June 15.

ITALIAN-CATHOLIC FEDERATION, INC.
Must be at least partially of Italian ancestry and of the Catholic faith. This is a $350 scholarship. Deadline has been March 15.

IOTA SIGMA CHAPTER GRANT
For students who have maintained a "B" average or better and who anticipates a career in education as a credential teacher or support personnel. Deadline has been April 30.

MARY AARON MEMORIAL TRUST
There must be a family financial insufficiency in order to qualify. Also based on extra curricular activities and letters of recommendation. Trust is from $400 to $1000. Deadline has been March 15.

MARYSVILLE EMBLEM CLUB
This scholarship reflects the Community Service Endeavors of the Emblem Club. The scholarship targets 2.5 to 3.5 students involved in the local community, and plan to attend a 2 year community college or vocational school. Endorsements letters are required. Deadline has been April 2.

ORDER OF DANDELIONS-GOLD RUSH FLIGHT
Awarded to the most worthy individual who demonstrates the potential for becoming a commissioned military pilot. Deadline has been March 31.

PASTEL SOCIETY OF THE WEST COAST SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is open to students who wish to eontinue thier education in art studies. Most attention will be given to those students who have an interest in the soft pastel medium. Deadline has been March 31.

PAULSEN FAMILY FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Designed to benefit agricultural students planning to continue their education in the field of agriculture. This has been a $1000 award. Deadline has been no later than April 1.

PEO WOMEN'S EDUCATION GRANT
This $500 grant is based on financial need.

RIDEOUT HOSPITAL AUXILIARY (Sherry Hall Scholarship)
A scholarship for seniors entering the medical care profession (does not include veterinarian, hospital administration, or medical secretaries. Photo must accompany application. Award varies. Deadline has been March 31.

ROTARY MEMORIAL SCHOLASTIC, INC.
Offers a vocational scholarship and academic scholarships. Includes a personal essay. Has been from $500 to $1000. Vocational student must be enrolled in a one or two year program leading to employment. Deadline: May 1.

ROY L. SPLAWN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The Roy L. Splawn Charitable Foundation Scholarship Grant Program is open to financially disadvantaged students who wish to further pursue their education at an educational or vocational institution which offers such students an opportunity to improve his or her own future and that of the student's family and society. This Scholarship Grant is up to $5000. Deadline has been early November.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY FARM CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP
This is open to students from Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada & Butte counties who are planning to major in agriculture or an ag related major. Students may receive up to $1500. Deadline: April 1.

SAM WALTON COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Scholarship is a $1000 award. Based on ACT/SAT scores, GPA, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, financial need, and work activities, Applications available at Sam's club. Deadline has been March 1.

SARAH JACKSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
For seniors planning on majoring in English or Education. This has been a $300 scholarship. Deadline is April 1.

SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS
This $250 - $1000 is for young women majoring in the field of engineering. Deadline has been late March.

SHERRY HALL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is for students with a 3.0 or higher majoring in a medical field (not vet). Deadline: March 31

SUTTER BUTTES GARDEN CLUB
This scholarship is for students majoring in the field of horticulture. Deadline: April 15

TRI COUNTIES BANK
Must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Also based on financial need scholarship application and essay. Need two letters of recommendation. Has been a $500 award. Deadline has been early May.

VERN WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP
No GPA requirement. Designated for the At Risk Youth. This has been a $1000 award. Deadline has been May 15.

YUBA-SUTTER BAR ASSOCIATION
This award is based on scholarship and need. Although there will be preference in granting of the award to students who propose to study law, police science, or government. The award will be given in other areas if the applicant is more deserving. Deadline has been mid-April.  Awards vary.

YUBA-SUTTER COWBELLS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Has been three scholarships at $250 each. The emphasis has to be on beef production, been husbandry, or a related agriculture field. Deadline has been May 1.

YUBA-SUTTER FARM BUREAU
Major must be in an agriculture related field. Student or family needs to be a member of the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau. Deadline is March 1.

YUBA-SUTTER MERCY GUILD
For students that are college bound with a minimum 3.5 GPA and majoring in a Health related field. Deadline has been mid-May.

YUBA-SUTTER PEACE OFFICER ASSOCIATION
Has awarded 4 scholarships. Each scholarship has been $500. Must be majoring in a Law Enforcement or a Public Services related field. Deadline has been May 1.

Students searching for scholarship opportunities need to consider the following sources:

[ Back to beginning of Types ]

FUNDS AVAILABLE THROUGH COLLEGE CAMPUSES

Most colleges offer scholarships through alumni funds, endowment funds, bequests, departments, organizations, etc. Application is generally made through the financial aid office of the college. Contact with the financial aid office on the college campus is the best source for information. Also, inquiry through the student’s college major department is advised.