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