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How to Get Financial Aid & Pay for College

Determining how to pay for college is a crucial step in your college career, so it is important that you understand your payment options. The more you know about your financial choices, the better prepared you will be to enter college with focus and confidence. Find information below for all of the steps to getting financial aid to pay for college!

What is financial aid?

Financial aid is funds awarded to students for the payment of education costs. Under most circumstances, you must meet a set of standards—such as merit achievement, financial need and satisfactory academic progress in your current program—to remain eligible for certain types of financial aid.

Aid is divided into four types: loans (fund that you borrow and must repay), grants (funds that you are awarded based on financial need and that you are not required to repay), scholarships (funds that you are awarded based on special eligibility requirements and that you are not required to repay) and federal work study (funds awarded in exchange for work arranged with your school).

Types of Financial Aid:
 

Where can I learn about financial aid?

You can learn more about Sinclair’s financial aid process on the financial aid page.

How much does Sinclair cost?

Sinclair tuition costs vary according to program requirements and student residency status.

How do I get financial aid?

The first step to getting financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal aid funds. This application helps funding agencies to determine how much aid you need to complete your college education. Remember to complete the application process early (some extra documentation may be requested) early for your best chance at receiving awards. To be guaranteed for fall term consideration at Sinclair, you must complete the FAFSA application process before May 1 of the year in which you plan to begin as a student.

  • Fill out the FAFSA.
  • Learn about getting help with the application at a Sinclair FAFSA workshop.

What do I do after I fill out the FAFSA?

Once you’ve filled out the FAFSA, it is vital that you monitor your sinclair.edu email account, because important messages—including notification alerts and award acceptance—will be sent there. If you miss important notifications, you may risk losing your financial aid funds.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Scholarships are awarded by groups apart from the federal aid process, so you must apply for them separately. The best way to learn about scholarships is to research them using a school’s online resources, like Sinclair’s scholarships page, where you can apply for scholarships using the Sinclair Online Scholarship Application System.

Is there anything else I should know about paying for college at Sinclair?

Sinclair also offers various methods of payment. While it is not a financial aid program, the Tuition Payment Plan can help you arrange your payments for every term in which you sign up for the service.

If you have more questions about financial aid, please contact us at 937-512-3000. We wish you the best in your college career at Sinclair!