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What types of financial aid are there?

Type B:  NEED BASED
Approximately 90% of all financial aid is need-based.  The need is determined by a federal formula intended to equalize educational opportunity.  All colleges distribute considerable financial aid in this category and require either the Family Financial Statement (FFS) or the Free Federal Financial Aid Form (FAFSA). This type includes grants and scholarships, which are sometimes called "gift aid" because you don't have to repay them or work to earn them.  Grants are usually awarded on the basis of need alone, while scholarship recipients may have to meet qualifications other than (or in addition to) need.

Type B:  TALENT BASED
Most colleges set aside a small amount of financial aid to be given out on as Talent Scholarships.  These are generally given in the areas of music, drama, speech, athletics, and academics.  Talent scholarships are generally not too large unless additional financial need can be documented under Type A.  These scholarships are generally handled by the specific department on the college campus.  There are a variety of methods to follow in finding out about these scholarships:

1. Contact the college's financial aid office.
   
2. Contact the chairman of the particular department to which you wish to apply for a scholarship.
   
3. Use a scholarship search computer program, such as CASHE or FASTWEB. 
   
4. Contact the RMHS College & Career Center Coordinator or your school counselor.