Welcome to EFC's College Center
The Education Finance Council (EFC) is an association of nonprofit and state-based student loan providers dedicated to making college more affordable. EFC members realize that programs that lower the direct cost of college are only part of the solution, however. Students and families also need information, guidance and encouragement.
To fulfill this need, EFC members deliver extensive programs and services that bring professional counselors, materials and support to area schools, community centers and the workplace.
In short, EFC members help people just like you achieve higher education goals.
Are you a student who dreams of becoming a teacher? Are you a youth from foster care wondering how you will find the funds to pay for college? Are you an adult wanting to go back to school but are unsure of how to navigate the college and financial aid processes? Are you part of a school or community organization that is wondering what resources are available to help your students realize their postsecondary goals?
Look no further. Help is available.
Throughout EFC's College Center, you will find information about college that is just for you. You will also have the opportunity to connect to numerous organizations that can provide you with additional information and support.
Click Below to Access Information On:
Make a Plan | Military & National Guard | Youth in Foster Care | Runaway & Homeless Youth |
Adult Learners | Spanish Speaking Students | Students with Disabilities | Blind & Visually Impaired Students | Aspiring Teachers | Feedback
The Education Finance Council (EFC) is an association of nonprofit and state-based student loan providers dedicated to making college more affordable. EFC members realize that programs that lower the direct cost of college are only part of the solution, however. Students and families also need information, guidance and encouragement.
To fulfill this need, EFC members deliver extensive programs and services that bring professional counselors, materials and support to area schools, community centers and the workplace.
In short, EFC members help people just like you achieve higher education goals.
Are you a student who dreams of becoming a teacher? Are you a youth from foster care wondering how you will find the funds to pay for college? Are you an adult wanting to go back to school but are unsure of how to navigate the college and financial aid processes? Are you part of a school or community organization that is wondering what resources are available to help your students realize their postsecondary goals?
Look no further. Help is available.
Throughout EFC's College Center, you will find information about college that is just for you. You will also have the opportunity to connect to numerous organizations that can provide you with additional information and support.
Make a Plan | Military & National Guard | Youth in Foster Care | Runaway & Homeless Youth |
Adult Learners | Spanish Speaking Students | Students with Disabilities | Blind & Visually Impaired Students | Aspiring Teachers | Feedback
Applying for and enrolling in college is one of the most exciting experiences many students and families will ever face. The process can be daunting; there are forms to fill out, applications to file and a sometimes complex financial aid process to navigate. Luckily, people are willing to help you through every step of this exciting journey.
Keep reading to learn how to connect to people in your community who can help you through this process.
Talk to an EFC Member Near You
Members of the Education Finance Council are located throughout the country and are there to help you access the funds and support you need to excel in higher education.
Talk to an EFC member near you to learn more about the importance of college and postsecondary training, and for information on saving, planning, selecting, applying and paying for college.
Click here to contact an EFC member directly.
Explore Resources from the Federal Government
The U.S. Department of Education, an agency of the federal government, administers numerous programs to help students earn a postsecondary degree and/or credential.
To help students learn more about the many postsecondary opportunities available, the Department makes available a free website called College.gov. By going to college.gov, you will learn how college will open the doors of opportunity for you; learn about the steps needed to become college ready; and access information on how to pay for your college education.
By going to college.gov, you can also create your own “I’m Going” college profile that may be featured on college.gov's home page, sent to your family, friends and other supporters, and added to your Facebook account or other websites.
Don't Forget to Fill Out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid
When searching the programs and services offered by the federal government, don't forget to apply for federal student aid – scholarships, grants, work-study and loans.
When searching the programs and services offered by the federal government, don't forget to apply for federal student aid – scholarships, grants, work-study and loans.
The federal government has an official process for applying for federal student financial aid that is free-of-charge. To apply, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – otherwise known as the “FAFSA” form. The government will use the information you submit through the FAFSA to calculate how much aid you are eligible to receive.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an important step in the college planning process and will help you to qualify for the funds needed to pay for college.
Connect to People in Your Community – Check out KnowHow2Go
Operated by the American Council on Education, the Lumina Foundation for Education and the Ad Council, KnowHow2Go is a national campaign that encourages students to prepare for college by taking four simple steps:
- Step One: Be a persistent. Let everyone know that you’re going to college and need their help.
- Step Two: Push yourself. Working a little harder today will make getting into college even easier.
- Step Three. Find the right fit. Find out what kind of school is the best match for you and your career goals.
- Step Four. Don’t let money be an obstacle. If you think you can't afford college, think again. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over $80 billion in federal student aid is available every year.
KnowHow2Go is supported by 15 state and regional coalitions and 60 national partners. Visit the Campaign’s website directly at http://www.knowhow2go.org/ to learn more and to connect to organizations in your community that can help you get started on your path to college.
Learn About Resources From The Pathways to College Network
The Pathways to College Network, a national alliance directed by The Education Resources Institute, advances college opportunity for underserved students by raising public awareness, supporting innovative research and promoting evidence-based policies and practices across the K-12 and higher education sectors.
The Pathways to College Network makes available a web-based directory of more than 170 resources that will assist middle and high school students and their families plan and prepare for college.
For more information, go to http://www.pathwaystocollege.net/.
Connect to More People Who Can Help:
Check Out The National College Access Network (NCAN)
The National College Access Network (NCAN) is dedicated to improving access to and success in postsecondary education for first-generation, underrepresented and low-income students.
NCAN members are located throughout the country and provide financial counseling, scholarships, college visits, career guidance, tutoring and test preparation courses, and other forms of one-on-one support to students and families.
To find free help and information near you, go to NCAN’s free national directory of college access programs.
For more information, go to http://www.collegeaccess.org/.
Members of the Armed Forces & National Guard
The men and women of our Armed Forces ensure the freedom and liberty of the American people. Listed below are some of the many programs that are available to help our nation’s men and women in uniform gain access to higher education during and following their time of service.
Federal Government Resources
The federal government has compiled a list of higher education opportunities that are available to members of the Armed Forces and National Guard. This webpage includes information on the benefits available to military personnel and their families, student financial aid programs, resources designed to help members of the military successfully transition back into civilian life, and much more.
The federal government has compiled a list of higher education opportunities that are available to members of the Armed Forces and National Guard. This webpage includes information on the benefits available to military personnel and their families, student financial aid programs, resources designed to help members of the military successfully transition back into civilian life, and much more.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & the Montgomery GI Bill
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides on its website free information about the numerous benefits available to our nation’s servicemembers under the Montgomery GI Bill, including education benefits. The Montgomery GI Bill has been opening the doors of higher education since first being signed into law in 1944 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt; then known as the Servicemembers' Readjustment Act of 1944.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides on its website free information about the numerous benefits available to our nation’s servicemembers under the Montgomery GI Bill, including education benefits. The Montgomery GI Bill has been opening the doors of higher education since first being signed into law in 1944 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt; then known as the Servicemembers' Readjustment Act of 1944.
In June of 2008, the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 -- also called the "Post-9/11 GI Bill" -- was signed into law. This legislation provides new educational assistance benefits to individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Click here to access a "Fact Sheet" from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that highlights the benefits and eligibility requirements of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008.
U.S. Department of Defense
Administered by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the “Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support” (DANTES) mission is to support the off-duty, voluntary education programs of the Department of Defense and to conduct special projects and development activities in support of education-related functions of the DoD. DANTES offers different programs and services to support all of the DoD components, including the Coast Guard.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the “Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support” (DANTES) mission is to support the off-duty, voluntary education programs of the Department of Defense and to conduct special projects and development activities in support of education-related functions of the DoD. DANTES offers different programs and services to support all of the DoD components, including the Coast Guard.
DANTES also manages Troops to Teachers, a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed. Troops-to-Teachers helps applicants identify teacher certification requirements, programs leading to certification and employment opportunities.
To learn more about Troops to Teacher, go to http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/.
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium
The Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium is dedicated to helping servicemembers and their families complete a college education. SOC allows military personnel to take courses in their off-duty hours at or near military installations in the United States, overseas and on Navy ships.
The Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium is dedicated to helping servicemembers and their families complete a college education. SOC allows military personnel to take courses in their off-duty hours at or near military installations in the United States, overseas and on Navy ships.
American Council on Education (ACE)
Since 1945, the American Council on Education (ACE) has provided a collaborative link between the U. S. Department of Defense and institutions of higher education by conducting a review of military training and experiences to determine the award of equivalent college credits for members of the Armed Forces. ACE’s Military Guide Online offers registrars, admissions officers, academic advisors, career counselors, and DoD Voluntary Education professionals a basis for recognizing military educational experiences in terms of civilian academic credit.
Since 1945, the American Council on Education (ACE) has provided a collaborative link between the U. S. Department of Defense and institutions of higher education by conducting a review of military training and experiences to determine the award of equivalent college credits for members of the Armed Forces. ACE’s Military Guide Online offers registrars, admissions officers, academic advisors, career counselors, and DoD Voluntary Education professionals a basis for recognizing military educational experiences in terms of civilian academic credit.
Click here for more information.
National Military Family Association (NMFA)
The National Military Family Association seeks to educate military families concerning their rights, benefits and services available to them and to inform them regarding the issues that affect their lives.
National Military Family Association (NMFA)
The National Military Family Association seeks to educate military families concerning their rights, benefits and services available to them and to inform them regarding the issues that affect their lives.
To help fulfill this goal, the Association has introduced a comprehensive education and employment resource center for spouses and children of United States military services. This Center includes resources covering the following areas:
- Spouse Education includes detailed information about starting education; choosing and/or transferring schools; scholarships, grants, financial aid, in-state tuition; resources for the foreign-born spouse; mobile careers and much more.
- Children's Education provides information about helping the children of military personnel make a successful transition to a new school; Impact Aid funding for civilian schools; in-state tuition for service members and families; Department of Defense (DoD) Schools; education resources for children with special needs and more.
- Spouse Employment highlights topics such as preparing to enter the job market; the federal hiring process; federal internships as well as useful websites and a glossary of terms.
For more information, go to http://www.nmfa.org/.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
Youth in Foster Care
According to a recent report from Casey Family Programs, few youth from foster care ever gain access to higher education programs, let alone graduate from college. Only 7 to 13 percent enroll in higher education, and only about 2 percent eventually obtain bachelor’s degrees. While these statistics are alarming, in recent years more financial aid and other programs that support the higher education goals of youth from foster care have been created.
Don’t become a statistic.
If you are from foster care, know that you can go to college and be successful.
People want to help you achieve your educational and professional goals.
Numerous programs at the federal, state and local level exist for the sole purpose of helping young adults from foster care get the academic and financial support necessary to access and complete higher education. Start your search by checking out the following sources of support and information:
Fill Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
One of the most important steps you can take when considering student financial aid – scholarships, grants, work-study and loans – is applying.
One of the most important steps you can take when considering student financial aid – scholarships, grants, work-study and loans – is applying.
The federal government has an official process for applying for Federal student financial aid that is free-of-charge. To apply, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as the “FAFSA” form. The government will use the information you submit through the FAFSA to calculate how much Federal student financial aid you are eligible to receive.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an important step in the college planning process and will help you to qualify for the funds needed to pay for college. Youth from foster care and wards of the court often have similar questions when filling out this form. To help answer these questions, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), an organization that represents the financial aid administrators from all over the country, has put together a document to help foster care youth and wards of the court complete the FAFSA.
Click here to download NASFAA’s Guide: “Foster Youth: Tips for Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).”
Chafee Educational and Training Vouchers (ETV)
Chafee Educational and Training Vouchers (ETV) provide financial resources to help youth aging out of the foster care system enroll in a qualified higher education program. The Chafee ETV Program makes grants of up to $5,000 per year available to young adults from the foster care system. These funds may be used in addition to federal grant dollars, such as the Pell Grant.
Chafee Educational and Training Vouchers (ETV) provide financial resources to help youth aging out of the foster care system enroll in a qualified higher education program. The Chafee ETV Program makes grants of up to $5,000 per year available to young adults from the foster care system. These funds may be used in addition to federal grant dollars, such as the Pell Grant.
Locate the ETV program administrator in your state by going to https://www.statevoucher.org/.
Casey Family Programs
Casey Family Programs has a mission to provide and improve – and ultimately to prevent the need for – foster care by offering direct services and promoting advances in child-welfare practice and policy. Casey Family Programs makes tools and resources available to youth in foster care, and professionals working with foster care youth who are attempting to access higher education.
Casey Family Programs has a mission to provide and improve – and ultimately to prevent the need for – foster care by offering direct services and promoting advances in child-welfare practice and policy. Casey Family Programs makes tools and resources available to youth in foster care, and professionals working with foster care youth who are attempting to access higher education.
Check out the following resources to learn more:
- It’s My Life: Postsecondary Education and Training, a guide that gives professionals the recommendations, strategies and resources they need to improve their work preparing young people for college access and success.
- It’s My Life: Financial Aid, a guide intended for those primarily interested in helping young people find funding sources for college or vocational training.
- Supporting Success: Improving Higher Education Outcomes for Students from Foster Care, a guide that provides program development tools for college counselors, administrators, professors and staff to help these education professionals define a plan for improving their institution’s support for students from foster care.
- Casey Life Skills – Education Supplements, provides four levels of education-focused self assessments with Level II targeting high school students and Level IV for students in a postsecondary education and training program. These assessments provide students and caregivers and their advocates with valuable information pertaining to school success.
For more information, go to http://www.casey.org.
Orphan Foundation of America
Founded in 1981, the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) serves thousands of foster teens across the United States. OFA's major programs and services include: administering scholarships for college and postsecondary education; overseeing Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funding in nine U.S. states; providing a virtual mentoring program linking students with experienced adults through a state of the art Internet portal; connecting students with internships to give them valuable workplace experience in business, government, and agency settings; and sending out “care packages” three times a year to boost students' morale and give them a sense of family-like support.
Founded in 1981, the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) serves thousands of foster teens across the United States. OFA's major programs and services include: administering scholarships for college and postsecondary education; overseeing Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funding in nine U.S. states; providing a virtual mentoring program linking students with experienced adults through a state of the art Internet portal; connecting students with internships to give them valuable workplace experience in business, government, and agency settings; and sending out “care packages” three times a year to boost students' morale and give them a sense of family-like support.
For more information, go to http://orphan.org/.
Foster Care Alumni of America
Foster Care Alumni of America is a national nonprofit association founded and led by alumni of the foster care system. Foster Care Alumni of America has a mission to connect its alumni community and to ensure opportunity for people in and from foster care. It does so by facilitating online networking and discussion around issues related to college after foster care, and by providing extended family type networking among alumni through sharing job and scholarship opportunities, informal mentoring relationships and much more.
Foster Care Alumni of America is a national nonprofit association founded and led by alumni of the foster care system. Foster Care Alumni of America has a mission to connect its alumni community and to ensure opportunity for people in and from foster care. It does so by facilitating online networking and discussion around issues related to college after foster care, and by providing extended family type networking among alumni through sharing job and scholarship opportunities, informal mentoring relationships and much more.
For more information, go to https://www.fostercarealumni.org/A.htm&code=EFC.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
Runaway & Homeless Youth
Runaway and homeless youth face additional challenges when trying to access higher education. According to the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, a professional organization dedicated to addressing the educational issues that affect students experiencing homelessness, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away from their homes each year. These youth run away typically due to circumstances that put their safety and well-being at risk.
Runaway and homeless youth face additional challenges when trying to access higher education. According to the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, a professional organization dedicated to addressing the educational issues that affect students experiencing homelessness, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away from their homes each year. These youth run away typically due to circumstances that put their safety and well-being at risk.
If you are a runaway or homeless youth, the following resources will help you connect to a network of support that is a first step towards making a goal of a college education a reality.
National Center for Homeless Education
The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) provides research, resources and information to help communities to address the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Center serves as a clearinghouse of information for people seeking to remove or overcome educational barriers and to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The Center also supports educators and service providers by providing materials and providing training at regional and national conferences and events.
Make Contact! Every state is required by federal law to have a State Coordinator for Homeless Education. This person is responsible for ensuring the understanding of and compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in public schools throughout the state. The National Center for Homeless Education makes available a list of State Coordinators.
To locate the State Coordinators for Homeless Education in your state, click here.
To locate the State Coordinators for Homeless Education in your state, click here.
For more information, go to www.serve.org/nche.
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth is a professional organization dedicated to addressing the educational issues that affect homelessness students.
The Association offers a number of resources on its website, including answers to 100 frequently asked questions on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the education rights of children and youth in homeless situations, and a guide to help unaccompanied and homeless youth access college financial aid.
Recognizing that children and youth in homeless situations face numerous barriers to educational success, the Association has also established the LeTendre Education Fund for Homeless Children, a fund that provides scholarship assistance to students who are homeless or have experienced homelessness. The scholarship was established in memory of André E. LeTendre, husband of Mary Jean LeTendre, former Director of Compensatory Education for the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information, go to http://www.naehcy.org/.
The National Network for Youth
The National Network for Youth seeks to ensure that opportunities for growth and development are available to youth everywhere. The Network is comprised over 400 community-based organizations along with their neighborhood youth, adults, associations, and regional and state networks of youth workers. These organizations provide street-based services, emergency shelter, transitional living programs, counseling, and social, health, educational and job-related services to over 2.5 million youth each year.
For more information, go to www.nn4youth.org.
National Runaway Switchboard
Established in 1971, the mission at the National Runaway Switchboard is to help keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. The National Runaway Switchboard has a 24-hour crisis line has an experienced front-line team member ready to help you now. It’s anonymous, confidential and free. 1-800-RUNAWAY.
The National Runaway Switchboard’s services are provided in part through funding from the Family and Youth Services Bureau in the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Check out Let's Talk
The National Runaway Switchboard makes available an interactive, 14 module curriculum intended to build life skills; increase knowledge about runaway resources and prevention; educate about alternatives to running away; and encourage youth to access and seek help from trusted community members.
For more information, go to http://www.1800runaway.org.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
Adult Learners
According to a March 2007 report published by the Lumina Foundation for Education, the nation’s labor force includes 54 million adults who lack a college degree. Of these adults, nearly 34 million have no college experience at all. These statistics are concerning given recent reports by the U.S. Department of Education that find ninety percent of the fastest-growing jobs in the new information and service economy will require some postsecondary education.
According to a March 2007 report published by the Lumina Foundation for Education, the nation’s labor force includes 54 million adults who lack a college degree. Of these adults, nearly 34 million have no college experience at all. These statistics are concerning given recent reports by the U.S. Department of Education that find ninety percent of the fastest-growing jobs in the new information and service economy will require some postsecondary education.
While it may seem overwhelming, higher education is possible at any age.
Check out the following resources to help get your postsecondary plan underway.
Get Your High School Equivalency – Take the General Educational Development Test
Getting your high school equivalency is a great first step toward realizing your higher education goals. You can do this by taking the General Educational Development (GED) test, an exam that measures the academic skills and knowledge expected of high school graduates in the United States or Canada. The GED is a program of the American Council on Education (ACE) and the GED Testing Service.
U.S. Department of Education – Special Resources for Adult Learners
The U.S. Department of Education has compiled a list of resources that are specifically geared to assist adults seeking to enroll in education beyond high school (“Adult Learners”). On its website, the Department discusses the types of postsecondary training that are available, ways to finance education, entrance exams necessary for enrollment in certain programs (such as the GED, SAT and ACT), and much more.
The U.S. Department of Education has compiled a list of resources that are specifically geared to assist adults seeking to enroll in education beyond high school (“Adult Learners”). On its website, the Department discusses the types of postsecondary training that are available, ways to finance education, entrance exams necessary for enrollment in certain programs (such as the GED, SAT and ACT), and much more.
American Council on Education – Special Resources for Adult Learners
The American Council on Education (ACE), a trade association that represents America’s colleges and universities, has free information and resources available on its website geared to adult learners and lifelong learning professionals.
The American Council on Education (ACE), a trade association that represents America’s colleges and universities, has free information and resources available on its website geared to adult learners and lifelong learning professionals.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
According to data from Excelencia in Education, the United States is experiencing a profound demographic shift as more and more of the nation’s high school and college-aged youth are from a Latino background.
While Latino representation in higher education is growing, Latinos continue to be underrepresented in higher education compared to other demographic groups. In 2005, Hispanic students represented 11 percent of total student enrollment in higher education programs – up from 6 percent in 1990.
Spanish Language Resources from the Federal Government
The U.S. Department of Education offers a Spanish language version of its Federal Student Aid website. This site provides information on student financial aid, which is, as the name indicates, financial assistance intended to help students and parents pay college costs. Click here to access this web page.
The U.S. Department of Education offers a Spanish language version of its Federal Student Aid website. This site provides information on student financial aid, which is, as the name indicates, financial assistance intended to help students and parents pay college costs. Click here to access this web page.
The federal government has an official process for applying for Federal student financial aid that is free-of-charge. To apply, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – otherwise known as the FAFSA form. The government will use the information you submit through the FAFSA to calculate how much student financial aid you are eligible to receive. Click here to access a Spanish version of the FAFSA.
To help students better navigate the student financial aid process, the Department of Education each year publishes a guidebook that is available free-of-charge in Spanish. Click here to access the guidebook, titled Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid.
English-Spanish Glossary of Financial Aid & Postsecondary Education Terms
When searching for financial aid for the first time, you may run into words and phrases you haven't heard before. For help understanding these terms and phrases, consider checking out TG's English-Spanish glossary of terms related to the U.S. Department of Education's federal student aid programs. The glossary is free, available in an easily searchable format, and includes about 2,500 terms!
This English-Spanish glossary of student financial aid and postsecondary education terms is made available by TG. Other organizations assisting TG in producing the glossary include the U.S. Department of Education, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the National College Access Network, the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, and the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
Students with Disabilities
While students with disabilities may face unique challenges along their path through college, there are numerous programs and resources available to help make that path as easy as possible.
While students with disabilities may face unique challenges along their path through college, there are numerous programs and resources available to help make that path as easy as possible.
Resources from the Federal Government
The federal government has pooled into one location the various resources related to higher education opportunities for people with disabilities. The page includes information on academic preparation, colleges and universities, and financial aid programs (including scholarships especially for students with disabilities).
The federal government has pooled into one location the various resources related to higher education opportunities for people with disabilities. The page includes information on academic preparation, colleges and universities, and financial aid programs (including scholarships especially for students with disabilities).
Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities
Institutions of higher education have certain obligations to accommodate students with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title II of the ADA prohibits state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability and the U.S. Department of Education enforces Title II in public colleges, universities and graduate and professional schools.
Institutions of higher education have certain obligations to accommodate students with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title II of the ADA prohibits state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability and the U.S. Department of Education enforces Title II in public colleges, universities and graduate and professional schools.
In addition, the Department of Education has a special webpage that reviews the obligations of higher education institutions to serve students with disabilities. The page contains answers to questions commonly asked by students and representatives of postsecondary institutions, including requirements relating to a postsecondary school's obligation to provide auxiliary aids to qualified students who have disabilities.
Resources from the Association on Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD)
The Association on Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD) is a professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education. AHEAD believes that a successful transition of students with disabilities into, through and beyond college is a team effort. While not a source of funding, nor a source of information regarding financial assistance, AHEAD offers several resources to students, parents, professionals and employers so that all are aware of the wide range of resources that are available.
The Association on Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD) is a professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education. AHEAD believes that a successful transition of students with disabilities into, through and beyond college is a team effort. While not a source of funding, nor a source of information regarding financial assistance, AHEAD offers several resources to students, parents, professionals and employers so that all are aware of the wide range of resources that are available.
To visit AHEAD, go to http://www.ahead.org/students.php.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the Federal, State and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the Federal, State and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
Blind and Visually Impaired Students
The Office of Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education makes available resources for blind and visually impaired students who are enrolled in, or in the process of enrolling in, education beyond high school.
The Office of Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education makes available resources for blind and visually impaired students who are enrolled in, or in the process of enrolling in, education beyond high school.
Funding Education Beyond High School: Audio Highlights
The Department of Education's guidebook on student financial aid, Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, is also offered free-of-charge in audio.
The Department of Education's guidebook on student financial aid, Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, is also offered free-of-charge in audio.
This recording of Funding Education Beyond High School informs blind and visually impaired students of other resources (such as websites and Braille and print publications) that provide more details relating to each topic listed in the contents.
The audio highlights are designed to help students decide what to study, what school is right for them, what to look for (and look out for) in financing their education, what career choices to make and much more. The recording also provides information on nonfederal sources of Federal aid.
Students can listen to the audio highlights online at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/audio.
Students can order copies individually from www.edpubs.org.
Braille Federal Student Aid Publications
The Department of Education also makes the following federal student aid publications available in Braille:
The Department of Education also makes the following federal student aid publications available in Braille:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and FAFSA on the Web Worksheet: Although the Braille FAFSA and Braille FAFSA on the Web Worksheet cannot be submitted, students can use them as a guide when they apply through the paper FAFSA or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid: This publication is a comprehensive and user-friendly resource on federal student aid that can be used at every stage of the student's financial aid lifecycle. The guide covers the major types of federal student aid available and explains how to apply for them. The Guide also mentions sources of nonfederal aid.
- The Braille Bookmark: Contains Federal Student Aid Gateway web address, www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov. Students can use this site to find information on applying for aid and locating their federal student loans. The bookmark also contains FSA's toll-free FSAIC telephone number: 1-800-433-3243. Students can call this number if they have general questions about federal student aid or would like to order publications.
These publications can be ordered in bulk at www.FSAPubs.org or individually from the Department’s toll-free telephone number at 1-800-433-3243 or online at www.edpubs.org.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, visit EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
Aspiring Teachers
Teachers play a critical role in American society by educating and training our nation’s most important asset – its people. Their efforts help to create an educated workforce and, by consequence, increase America’s global competitiveness. Numerous resources are available to help individuals pursue higher education and subsequent professional development.
Teachers play a critical role in American society by educating and training our nation’s most important asset – its people. Their efforts help to create an educated workforce and, by consequence, increase America’s global competitiveness. Numerous resources are available to help individuals pursue higher education and subsequent professional development.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program - FFEL and Direct Loan Programs
If you have a Federal student loan (under the FFEL or Direct Loan programs) as of October 1, 1998, you may qualify for up to $5,000 loan forgiveness under a federal loan forgiveness program designed to help teachers. You may also qualify for an increased amount of loan forgiveness (up to $17,500) that is available for certain mathematics, science, and special education teachers.
If you have a Federal student loan (under the FFEL or Direct Loan programs) as of October 1, 1998, you may qualify for up to $5,000 loan forgiveness under a federal loan forgiveness program designed to help teachers. You may also qualify for an increased amount of loan forgiveness (up to $17,500) that is available for certain mathematics, science, and special education teachers.
To qualify for loan forgiveness under this program, you must have been employed as a full-time teacher for five consecutive complete academic years in an elementary or secondary school that has been designated as a “low-income” school by the Department of Education and meet other requirements.
Federal Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation
You may qualify for cancellation of up to 100 percent of a federal Perkins Loan if you were employed full-time in a public or nonprofit elementary or secondary school system as a: 1) teacher in a school serving students from low-income families; 2) special-education teacher (including teachers of infants, toddlers, children or youth with disabilities); or 3) teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers in that state.
You may qualify for cancellation of up to 100 percent of a federal Perkins Loan if you were employed full-time in a public or nonprofit elementary or secondary school system as a: 1) teacher in a school serving students from low-income families; 2) special-education teacher (including teachers of infants, toddlers, children or youth with disabilities); or 3) teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers in that state.
TEACH Grants
In 2007, Congress established the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program to provide grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students.
In 2007, Congress established the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program to provide grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students.
It is important to know that, as a recipient of a TEACH Grant, you must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant. If you fail to complete this service obligation, all amounts of TEACH Grants that you received must be repaid in full, plus interest.
If you are interested in learning more about the TEACH Grant Program, contact the financial aid officer at the college you plan to attend.
Other Student Financial Aid & Financial Education Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, consider visiting EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
If you are interested in learning more about the student financial aid programs available at the federal, state and local level, consider visiting EFC’s Financial Literacy Homepage. This webpage also includes valuable information on financial education that will help you develop the tools you need to be successful in both school and life.
Thank you for visiting the website of the Education Finance Council. We hope you find our College Center helpful as you explore the many tools and resources that are available on this page.
Please consider sharing your suggestions about what we can do to improve our website.
