West OrangeHigh School

FINANCIAL AID 101

This page is provided as an overview of financial aid options and information for our students and their families. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the full extent of financial aid available for every student.  We strongly recommend each student research their individual financial aid options and consult with each college's financial aid office to which they apply. 

The College + Career Center presented a Bright Futures/FAFSA Parent Information Night on Oct. 12, 2022. Please use the links below to download the presentation slides or watch the playback for full presentation.*note: audio difficulties are resolved after the first several minutes of the presentation.
» October 12th BF/FAFSA Parent Night Presentation Slides
» Click to watch the Bright Futures/FAFSA Parent Night playback  Password: dGpwF9tU

QUICK LINKS

» Navigating Your Financial Future | Comprehensive free resource library for financial aid help
» Bright Futures Information page
» "How to Apply: FFAA"  |  Guide to free Florida Financial Aid Application (req. for Bright Futures)
» 8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA |  US News and World Report resource

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

» FLORIDA AID
The Florida Department of Education offers many state grants and scholarships, including the Bright Futures Scholarship, exclusively for Florida high school students.
Please visit the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance for details. 
     » Must apply using the FFAA to be eligible  (click here for link)
     » Download the "How To Apply" guide here. 

» Application opens October 1

The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) is the free financial aid application from the state of Florida's Office of Student Financial Assistance.

ALL SENIORS MUST COMPLETE the FFAA in order to be eligible for all state grants and scholarships including the Bright Futures Scholarship. 

* Students do not not need to eligible for Bright Futures at the time of application. Students should submit their FFAA when the application opens on October 1 of their senior year and continue working toward eligibility until the deadline of August 31 of their graduation year.

» Apply for the FFAA (required for Bright Futures)
» Download How to Apply instructions

Click to be redirected to the Bright Futures Scholarship information page.

FEDERAL AID - FAFSA

2023-24 FAFSA Application opens October 1

APPLY » Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The US Government awards grants, loans and work study programs for post secondary education. Students must apply using the FAFSA in order to be eligible to receive federal aid. 

The FSA ID is an account username and password that allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access U.S. Department of Education systems. While you are not required to have an FSA ID to complete and submit the online Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application, it is the fastest way to sign your application and have it processed.

HELPFUL FAFSA LINKS + DOWNLOADS

FAFSA ON THE WEB WORKSHEETS

Students applying for SUMMER 2023 admissions should complete the 2022-23 FAFSA

FAFSA FRENZY COMPLETION WORKSHOPS

Valencia College West Campus

Monday, February 20, 2023, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Atlas Lab SSB 172

FAFSA VALENCIA TUTORIAL VIDEO WALKTHROUGH

FAFSA'S FAQ'S
» You must submit a FAFSA every year to receive financial aid.

» Applying EARLY every year can increase your financial aid award.

» ALL SENIORS MUST COMPLETE the FAFSA during their senior year in order to be eligible for all federal loans, grants and work study programs. 

» Students planning to start college during a summer term after high school graduation will need to complete the 2021-22 FAFSA.

» Many colleges have FAFSA deadlines in order to be considered for priority financial aid from the school - Students and families are strongly encouraged to submit their FAFSA in October.

» Some colleges will not make financial aid offers unless the student submits a FAFSA. Therefore, every student should submit a FAFSA application even if they think they do not qualify for need based aid.

• What is the FAFSA? blog article

» SCHOLARSHIPS
There are a plethora of local, national and international scholarships based on merit, demonstrated financial need,  interests and talents, culture, family of origin, etc. Students are strongly encouraged to make a considerable investment and effort to research and apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible.
      » Please click for our scholarship information page for more information.