Resources
Looking for additional help to fund your college education? A variety of programs exist:
Alabama Foster Youth Grant Program
Alabama students who were in foster care may be eligible for assistance. Grants up to $5,000 are available for up to four years. Review eligibility and application information at Foster Care Grants.
Alabama Mentor
Alabama colleges and universities are showcased at www.Alabamamentor.org. Students can select a college, plan a career and explore financial aid possibilities from this single source.
Alternative Loans
Alternative loans are available for students who are ineligible for federal Stafford or Perkins loans. Students must be credit worthy. These loans, last resort loans, are for students who perhaps have not maintained satisfactory academic progress or have already received the maximum Stafford Loans or Parent Loans, or have exceeded the annual or cumulative loan maximums. Loan amounts may not exceed estimated costs or "unmet need" remaining after other financial aid is considered. A chart of alternative loan providers is available at the following Web site: http://www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml.
Army Reserve
The U.S. Army Reserve offers several educational benefits programs. Call the local representative at 334-270-1360 or visit http://www.goarmy.com/reserve/nps/education.jsp.
Direct Loan Program
View your Direct loans online, e-sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN), and complete your Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov.
Education Tax Incentives
Learn about education tax incentives such as the HOPE Scholarship Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, and more at http://www.irs.gov.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You must use a pin number or be sure to print and mail in the signature page after completing the FAFSA. Pin numbers are available for you and your parent at www.pin.ed.gov.
KHEEA Online
View your previous KHEAA loans online.
Loan Forgiveness For Teachers
The U.S. Department of Education provides Stafford or Direct Loan forgiveness for certified teachers who teach for five consecutive years in a public or private nonprofit elementary or secondary school designated as a low-income school. For each complete year of teaching, $5,000 of loan debt is forgiven. Click here for details.
Loan Repayment and Loan Consolidation
Students who have student loans are responsible for completing an exit interview at the time of graduation or withdrawal. Repayment of the loan begins six (6) months after leaving school. For repayment, loan consolidation, and deferment options, please review the Department of Education Web site.
National Student Loan Data System
Check your Stafford Loan history online. You will need your PIN to access your account.
Selective Service
Register or verify registration status. Males age 18 and above MUST be registered with Selective Service to meet eligibility requirements for federal and state aid programs.
Scholarship Search
The Internet’s largest free scholarship search engine, www.FASTWEB.com is available with just a click! Also check out StudentScholarships.org, Alabama's leading source for finding scholarship money!
Student Guide
A guide on student financial aid is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Visit their Web site.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Students with disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance through Alabama's Department of Rehabilitation Services. Call 800-441-7578 or visit www.rehab.state.al.us to find the nearest office for assistance.