Financial Aid 101: Navigating Financial Aid in 2024

This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the financial aid process, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study, and how to guide students and families through these processes.

The basics

• Intended audience: Counseling and admission professionals looking to enhance or refresh their understanding of the financial aid process; parents and guardians.
• Cost: $55 for NACAC members, $100 for nonmembers.
  • A 20 percent discount is available for offices of four or more participants registering for the same course.
• Estimated completion time: Three hours.
  • Participants have six months to access and complete the course.
• Upon completion: Three continuing education credit hours and a completion certificate.

Course description

With this course under your belt, you will be able to provide students and families with the support they need as they determine how they will pay for their postsecondary education. After taking this course, you will be able to: 

• Distinguish between the four main types of financial aid available: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.  
• Teach students and families how to research, identify, and apply for scholarships.  
• Guide students and families through completing the financial aid application process, including completing both the FAFSA application and the CSS Profile.  
• Support students and families whose special circumstances could impact their ability to receive financial aid.  
• Calculate and compare various financial aid offers and instruct students and families on how to do the same.  

Course topics

• Unit 1 – An Introduction to Financial Aid
• Unit 2 – Types of Financial Aid
• Unit 3 – Applying for Financial Aid
• Unit 4 – Special Circumstances that Can Impact Financial Aid
• Unit 5 – How to Find and Compete for Scholarships
• Unit 6 – Calculating Costs & Comparing Offers

Registration

Register for this on-demand course using this link: Register

PLEASE NOTE: All requests to switch cohorts, extend course access (by one month) or changes to course registrations will be subject to a $50 processing fee per person/per course. No refunds will be processed. 

Cost

• $55 for NACAC members*
• $100 for nonmembers

A 20 percent discount is available for offices of four or more participants registering for the same course. 

*Unsure if you are a NACAC member? You may be eligible through your school or organization’s membership. Contact customer service for more information.

Questions?

For purchasing and billing questions, please email customerservice@nacacnet.org. For questions about the course, please email pd@nacacnet.org.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5242. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NACAC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.