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What You Need To Know About Financial Aid At East Ohio

As you consider continuing your education by going to college, there are some important decisions you will need to make, and financial aid is one of them. Figuring out exactly how you will pay for your college degree is an essential step to enrolling in school.

At East Ohio, we support our students through every step of the enrollment process, from the first time you contact us, to planning your financial aid, to getting you signed up for classes.

Financial Aid Process

We know that financial aid can be overwhelming and confusing. With so many different options, how do you know which one is right for you? That’s why we are here for you throughout the financial process.

“Financial aid can be complicated, with a lot of detail. It is completely fine if a student has no idea what types of financial aid they may qualify for. We walk each student through the process, from beginning to end,” said Parker Rhoads, Financial Aid Officer.

After a student completes their admissions interview, it’s time to meet with a financial aid officer. During this financial aid appointment, we walk each student through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which has to be submitted to qualify for federal and state loans and grants.

Once the FAFSA is completed, we work with you to create a personalized financial aid plan, designed to meet your specific needs. This plan will detail exactly how you will pay for college, giving you the confidence to earn your college degree and start a fulfilling new career.

“We strive to get students graduated with as little debt as possible,” said Parker. “Many students have attended college before and it did not work out for them, so it’s very important for us to keep their debt low.”

After finalizing your personalized financial aid plan, you will confirm that the plan is good for you and then sign your financial aid documents.

At East Ohio, our financial aid officer is always available on campus, so you can call or pop in to ask any questions you may have. As a smaller school, our students don’t have to go through 12 different people to speak with the person they need. If you have a question, call the school and ask to speak to someone in financial aid. Additionally, East Ohio students have access to our loan assistance department, so you can ask any questions you have about your loans at any time.

Types of Financial Aid*

During your financial aid appointment, as you review your personalized financial aid plan, you will learn about all the different types of financial aid that are available to those who qualify.

  • Federal Pell Grants: The federal government offers grant money to help fund your education that you will not have to repay.
  • State Grants: To help students pay for their education, some states also offer grant money that students do not have to pay back.
  • Scholarships**: Students can take advantage of institutional grants from East Ohio and external scholarships from other sources to help pay for your degree. Students are encouraged to apply to scholarships that they may qualify for.
  • Student Loans: The federal government or third-party providers allow students to take out these loans to help pay for their education. While students do not have to make payments on loans while attending school, we encourage them to make some cash payments to reduce their total debt.
  • PLUS Loans: Parents can take out these loans to help pay for their college education, as long as they qualify for the loans.
  • GI Bill®: Veterans can use their tuition benefits to help fund their education.
  • Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Some companies offer employee tuition reimbursement that students can use to help pay for their education.
  • Cash Payments: Students can make cash payments toward their education to not borrow as much in student loans.
  • 529 Plan: Parents can set up this separate savings account for their children for educational purposes.

While in your financial aid appointment with East Ohio’s financial aid officer, we will help you establish which categories of financial aid you qualify for that can help you pay for your degree.

Completing the FAFSA

To qualify for financial aid, it is essential that you fill out the FAFSA. The federal government uses the information you provide in this application to determine what different types and how much financial aid you may qualify for to fund your education. Because these important decisions are made based on the information you provide, it’s critical that everything is up to date and accurate. You will receive an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number after submitting your FAFSA, which the federal government looks at as you’re applying for financial aid.

At East Ohio, we help students complete the FAFSA or update an existing FAFSA that may be inaccurate or incomplete. You must complete your FAFSA every year that you plan to attend college.

“We are here to help students every step of the way,” said Parker. For those who are considering college, Parker says that “it’s best to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. Contact our financial aid department, and we will walk you through every step of the process.”

Join Us At East Ohio

At East Ohio, we offer career-focused college degrees so you can get trained quickly and start your new career faster. “We provide a superior educational experience for our students with personal, face-to-face interaction,” said Parker.

We’re here to help you every step of the way as you gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in your exciting new career. Explore our college degree programs and request information now to get started!

*For those who qualify. **For those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.