| You've made the decision to pursue your degree | | | | the Financial Aid office at the college that you want |
| online and you've been accepted to an online | | | | to attend. There are many types of financial aid |
| program. Now what do you do? The next step in | | | | packages available, ranging from work study |
| realizing your dream is to secure the funds needed | | | | programs to government aid. The financial aid officer |
| for your education. | | | | will be able to provide the necessary forms for the |
| If you haven't already done so, now is the time to | | | | different lending institutions and should be able to |
| complete your Free Application for Federal Student | | | | guide you through the decision making process. |
| Aid, or FASFA, for short. This is a straightforward | | | | After you have completed your loan applications, |
| application published by the Department of Education, | | | | they will need to be sent to the school for |
| which gives lenders an idea of what sort of funding | | | | verification and processing. Many banks will not |
| you are entitled to. The application process is fairly | | | | release the funds directly to the student, only to the |
| simple and can be completed online in minutes. Once | | | | college at the start of the term. This makes it easier- |
| you've filled in the necessary information, you should | | | | and safer- for both the college and the student. |
| receive, within a matter of a few days, a | | | | Securing funds for college is a fairly easy process |
| confirmation letter, of which programs you are eligible | | | | that needn't be stressful. The key to the whole |
| for. This process is free and simple to do, and it is | | | | process is being well organized and making sure that |
| the cornerstone of securing financial aid for your | | | | you meet all of the loan deadlines specified by both |
| college program. | | | | the Department of Education and your college's |
| Once you have this information, you need to contact | | | | financial aid office. |