Making Your Education Affordable
Congratulations, you’ve decided to go to school. Now you need to decide how you are going to pay for it. This page is full of information that can help you determine the types of financial aid available, how to apply for aid, and what you can do to make school more affordable.
How Can I Plan and Estimate My Educational Costs?
A financial aid or net price calculator is a tool to help students determine their estimated educational costs. The Net Price Calculator will provide a preliminary, non-binding estimate of federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility based on federal methodology. Calculators are created to help plan what financial aid students may be awarded so they can make arrangements to cover the cost of attendance.
The Net Price Calculator is for estimates only and is based on the information you provide. The actual award package will vary depending on time of year, regulatory changes, and availability of funds. The Financial Aid Office will make the final determination for the award package.
What Is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is assistance used to pay school costs. There are many different types of aid that you can choose from. Below is a list of the most common types of aid you could qualify for.* For additional information about these types of aid, as well as various financial aid topics, please visit Financial Aid TV.†
Federal or State Grants
Also called gift aid, grants don't have to be repaid. Grants are awarded by federal and state governments.
Loans
Loans are the most popular type of financial aid. Federal Stafford and Federal Plus Loans are backed by the federal government and offer low-interest rates. You must demonstrate financial need to qualify for these loans. Alternative Loans are private loans that allow you to borrow additional funds above your federal loan limit. These types of loans are not sponsored by the government and typically have higher interest rates.
Work/Work Study
Working a full- or part-time job while in school can help you pay for education costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses. You might also want to consider work study, which is a federal program that provides you with part-time employment to help you meet your financial needs. This program also gives you valuable work experience while you serve your campus and community.
Scholarships and Third Party Agencies
Many schools offer a wide variety of financial options. These may include scholarships and/or assistance from third party agencies. We could help you find the financial solution that is right for you. Please contact the Financial Aid department for more information about all of these financial options.
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
The first step is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This is a financial aid application form used for federal and state grants, work study, and loans.
FAFSA on the Web
You can complete, submit, and track your application at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is the easiest way to apply for federal aid. Make sure you fill in the correct Federal School Code on your FAFSA application. The Federal School Code for Hesser College, Manchester, NH is 004729. Another way to locate the Federal School Code is by using the Search for School Codes link on the main page of the FAFSA website, www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Your FAFSA PIN
Once you submit your online FAFSA application, apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Your PIN is a unique personal identifier that gives you access to your personal information on U.S. Department of Education websites. Your PIN also serves as your electronic signature on federal applications so do not share it with anyone.
Before You Apply
We recommend that you have your income information available before filling out the FAFSA. Please note that you do not have to file your income tax return with the IRS before you fill out the FAFSA.
What Happens After You Apply?
A few days after you submit your FAFSA, you should receive an email or mailed form from the U.S. Department of Education called a Student Aid Report (SAR). Your SAR contains the data you entered on the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully for errors and submit any necessary corrections. Your SAR also contains information on what you are expected to contribute to your total costs. The Financial Aid department can help explain to you the information on your SAR.
Applying for Loans
Loans let you pay your education expenses over a long period of time at a low (and often tax deductible) interest rate. Some loans are need based, while others are available to nearly everyone.
Federal Loans
Hesser College students are eligible to apply for the Title IV federal student loan programs. Federal loans are generally lower interest rate loans offering students a grace period in which payments are not due, as well as multiple repayment plans. The school currently offers Subsidized Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, and Parent Plus loans through the William D. Ford Direct Loan program with the U.S. Department of Education.
Whether you are a first-time borrower or a continuing student borrower, you may apply for a Direct Loan. Students can apply for a Direct Loan by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and by electronically signing a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Alternative Loans
Many banks offer alternative student loans. Rates and conditions vary, so it is important to review all available information. These lenders usually provide streamlined loan processing, competitive rates, and reliable service.
Additional information on eligibility requirements, alternate financing, amounts available, interest rates, scholarships, and repayment schedules is available from the Financial Aid Office.
Click here for the Code of Conduct for student loans.
* Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
† Video content is provided by Financial Aid TV/Career America LLC for Kaplan Higher Education and is intended for informational purposes only and not as financial, accounting, or legal advice.
Military Discounts
Hesser College is pleased to offer discounts on tuition for qualifying active military personnel, veterans, and military spouses. Please ask for more information on these discount opportunities.