EEFF Success NavigatorBuild my plan

MONEY SHOULD NOT END THE DREAM

Your money plan
starts here.

Work through these steps in order. Save the confirmation emails, deadlines, and documents you collect in one folder.

STEP 1

Complete FAFSA—and do not stop there.

FAFSA is free and may open federal grants, work-study, loans, state aid, and school aid. Add every school you are seriously considering, then check federal, state, and school deadlines.

Start FAFSA ↗ · FAFSA checklist ↗

STEP 2

Read your aid offer like a decision—not a celebration.

Separate gift aid (grants and scholarships) from work-study and loans. Compare the remaining cost after gift aid. If your family’s finances changed, ask your financial-aid office about a professional-judgment or aid-adjustment review.

Official options when aid is not enough ↗

STEP 3

Build a scholarship rhythm.

Do not wait for a “perfect” scholarship. Set one weekly hour: update your resume, keep a short activity list, save essay answers, and apply to a small number of verified opportunities consistently.

Find vetted Scholarship America opportunities ↗

STEP 4

Use campus money before private debt.

Ask about payment plans, emergency grants, departmental scholarships, meal support, book loans, work-study, and hardship funds. Only consider private loans after understanding their cost and repayment terms.

Find urgent and basic-needs support →

EMAIL TEMPLATE

“Hello, I am enrolled for [term] and my financial circumstances have changed. Could you tell me how to request an aid adjustment or professional-judgment review, and what documentation you need?”