A college education is one of the most important investments a student and family can make. You and your family will be expected to contribute as much as you can from your own resources (income, savings, and assets) to help meet your college expenses.
The purpose of financial aid is to help students and families meet educational expenses that cannot be met through their own resources. Financial aid can be either need-based or non-need-based. The results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with the cost-of-education will determine whether or not a student has financial need.
There are several types of financial aid available. Grants and scholarships are considered "gift aid" because they generally do not have to be repaid. Loans and employment are considered "self-help aid" because loans have to be repaid and by working you earn money for educational expenses. Most grants, some loans (Subsidized Stafford and the Perkins Loan), and Federal Work-Study are need-based financial aid programs. The Unsubsidized Stafford, Undergraduate PLUS Loan (parent loan) and Graduate PLUS Loan are considered non-need-based. Scholarships can be based upon merit, financial need, or both.
Each year, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA serves as the application for all federal, state, and need based scholarships at Brooklyn College.
Filing 2008-2009 FAFSA
