Financial Aid Planning
Step 1: Apply for scholarships (ongoing)
- Inquire with the financial aid offices at the colleges/universities you are applying to.
- Check out the CRCSD District Scholarship website
- Complete the Kennedy Scholarship Application (deadline January 3, 2024)
- Search for scholarships by using various search engines/websites.
Step 2: File the FAFSA
The FSA ID is the first step in preparing to file the FAFSA. Each student and parent must have an FSA ID. Visit this website to learn about the FSA ID and how to get one.
Students and families can begin filing the FAFSA by December 31, 2023 this year. This date change is due to the new FAFSA being developed. By filing the FAFSA, students may be determined eligible for state or federal aid. Check out Iowa College Aid for more information.
Need help filing the FAFSA? Contact ICAN today! ICAN has helped families complete tens of thousands of FAFSA’s through the years. They truly are experts and can assist you with completing this very important task. Some colleges/universities doe have FAFSA priority dates, so filing sooner than later is encouraged. ICAN is available to assist families with the FAFSA process by appointment. Contact them by phone at 877-272-4692 or schedule an appointment online.
Not sure what items you need for the FAFSA process? Check out this website to understand what you need, and view this worksheet for a preview of the FAFSA form.
More FAFSA resources
How to Pay for College: Understanding the Financial Aid Process
ICAN Financial Aid Guide
Filing the FAFSA: 6 Items and 22 Minutes
What to Bring to File the FAFSA (Class of 2022)
Step 3: Compare financial aid award letters
- Compare cost of attendance at the various colleges/universities
- Compare merit based awards
- Compare state/federal awards
Covering College Costs: Understanding and Comparing Financial Aid Packages
Step 4: Decide what’s best for you
ICAN prepares students for future success. Contact ICAN if you need help with any financial aid questions at 877-272-4692, FAFSA@ICANsucceed.org, or schedule an appointment online.
Scholarships
Where can I find more scholarship information?
- Inquire with the financial aid offices at the colleges/universities you are applying to.
- Check out the CRCSD District Scholarship website
- Complete the Kennedy Scholarship Application (deadline January 3, 2024)
- Search for scholarships by using various search engines/websites.
| Iowa College Aid | Bold.org |
| ICAN | Career One Stop |
| Scholarships.com | Chegg |
| Raise.Me | College Board |
| Fastweb | College Raptor |
| Appily | Finaid |
| Niche | Goodwall App |
| Going Merry | SallieMae |
| Unigo | ScholarsApp |
| Last Dollar Scholar |