Advanced Opportunities Resource

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Which grant opportunities do I qualify for? 

The Pell Grant is provided by the federal government to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need through the information in their FAFSA. When you file the FAFSA you are automatically considered for a Pell Grant and will not require any additional applications.

Federal Pell Grant

The FSEOG is a federal grant offered through institutions to qualified undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients and demonstrate exceptional financial need based on their FAFSA. You are automatically considered by filing the FAFSA and the financial aid application for your institution (if one is required for all financial aid) and you will not need to fill out any additional applications.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The IASG is provided by the federal government to qualifying students with a parent or guardian who died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. If a student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, they cannot receive an IASG.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)

The TEACH different from other federal student grants because it requires you to commit to four years of qualifying teaching  to receive the grant funds. If you don't complete your teaching service obligation, the grant will turn into a loan that you must repay in full, including interest.

Federal Teacher Educational Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)

<ul>
<li>While scholarships are typically (but not exclusively) merit-based, <a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants">grants</a> are usually awarded based on financial need.</li>
<li>Available to both undergraduate and graduate students, though more grants exist for the latter.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>Pros:
<ul>
<li>Grants don’t need to be repaid (assuming the <a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants#maintaining-eligibility-for-grants">requirements</a> are met).</li>
<li>Students can receive more than one grant at a time.</li>
<li>Grants make continuing education opportunities accessible to more of the population.</li>
<li>The application process for grants is simpler than the process for scholarships.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Cons:
<ul>
<li>Limited funds translate to each grant being highly competitive.</li>
<li>The funds that come from grants often carry more restrictions.</li>
<li>There are fewer grant options (when compared to scholarships)</li>
<li>Grants often do not cover all of a student’s college expenses.</li>
<li>Sometimes, students will have to <a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants#when-you-may-have-to-repay-a-grant">repay</a> a grant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

The needs to <a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants#grant-eligibility">qualify</a> for a grant can include:
<ul>
<li>Family income and status</li>
<li>Cost of the college or career school</li>
<li>Disability status</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Grants 101 

Your FAFSA is the most important financial aid document because it will help to determine your eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans. Explore the FAFSA process and its role in federal financial aid. 

Federal Financial Aid Know How

Complete the FAFSA and any financial aid application required by your institution. There is not a separate loan application and these loans do not require a co-signer. Your school will typically let you know if you’re eligible for federal aid on your financial aid offer notification. You can also contact the institution and ask about your eligibility.

Application Process

You must file a FAFSA and be enrolled at least half-time in a qualified program of study to be eligible for federal financial aid. You’ll also need to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) which is a promise to repay your loans. 

Eligibility

Entrance Counseling is required for any students that accept student loans. It will help you understand the terms and conditions of your loans and the rights and responsibilities that you are accepting. 

Entrance Counseling

Six months after you graduate, you’ll be required to begin repaying your loans. If you are enrolled less than half-time, you’ll have to start repaying your loans immediately. Repayment options provide the opportunity to select a payment plan that matches your financial situation.

Repayment

Almost always, federal student loans are better than private loans. Federal loans have more flexible repayment options, forgiveness opportunities under certain situations, do not require a co-signer, and you may pay less interest. If you need student loans to attend an institution, take the available federal loans first and then consider the private loans only if you need additional funds.  

Federal vs. Private Loans

If you have multiple student loans, you may be able to combine them into one loan with a fixed interest rate based on the average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated.

Loan Consolidation

<ul>
<li><a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized">Federal Direct Subsidized Loan</a></li>
<li><a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized">Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan</a></li>
<li><a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent">Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan</a></li>
<li><a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/grad">Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan</a></li>
<li><a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/perkins">Federal Perkins Loans</a> (Subsidized Loan)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salliemae.com/">Private Education Loans</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Apply to different colleges and/or career schools so you can compare the financial aid offers extended by each. Here is a <a href="https://studentaid.gov/complete-aid-process/comparing-aid-offers">guide</a>.</li>
<li>Take your time <a href="https://studentaid.gov/complete-aid-process/accept-aid#which-loans-to-accept">deciding the right loan for you</a>.</li>
<li>Remember, you can borrow less than your college or career school offers—then request more loan funds later if you need them.</li>
<li>Use the Federal Student Aid <a href="https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator/">Loan Simulator</a> to see how various loans and repayment programs will affect your lifestyle after graduation.</li>
<li></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>If/when loans are offered, you can:
<ul>
<li>Decline all</li>
<li>Accept part of them, or</li>
<li>Accept all</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>If you decline loans or only take part of your proffered loans, then later realize you need to borrow more—you can come back and accept the remaining loans.</li>
<li><a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans">Manage your (federal) loans</a> at StudentAid.gov.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Discover the difference between <a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation">loan forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge</a></li>
<li>Learn about <a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher">Education Incentive Loan Forgiveness</a></li>
<li>Do NOT rely on forgiveness as a get-out-of-repayment strategy. Be discerning with the loans you choose and how much money you accept.</li>
</ul>

Who is funding your loan? What terms and conditions will you be required to follow? 

Discover other ways to help pay for education and training expenses. 

More Ways to Pay 

IDeal is Idaho’s 529 College Savings Program. This savings account is similar to a 401k, but for education. The money you invest will be managed by financial professionals and your account contributions will qualify for tax advantages. 

IDeal - Idaho's 529 College Savings Program 

The Advanced Opportunities program gives every student in grades 7-12 with $4,125 to use towards overload courses, dual credit classes, exams, and workforce training. 

Advanced Opportunities

All U.S. military service branches offer education benefits that can be used both during and after service. Many military training programs count toward course credit and some branches offer classes on base or online.  Most service members are eligible for tuition support through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and/or other tuition repayment programs.

Military

High school students interested in military officer careers may wish to enroll in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at their college. ROTC offers college scholarships and leadership training in exchange for a service commitment. 

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) 

On Idaho Launch, you can explore hiring trends, discover employer needs, see regional employment snapshots, research training opportunities, and apply for training funds. 

Idaho Launch

WIOA is a federally funded program that established the Workforce Development System and provides funding to support training and employment services for adults, dislocated workers, and low-income, out-of-school youth. You can use WIOA to help with your job search or training needs.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 

Idaho students may enroll in participating institutions in other western states at a reduced tuition rate thanks to the Western Undergraduate Exchange and Western Regional Graduate programs. 

Tuition Exchange Agreements

Idaho colleges and universities may offer credits for skills you gained through work or military experience. Using this tool can help you save money and finish school more quickly. 

Credit for Prior Learning

IDeal is Idaho’s 529 College Savings Program. This savings account is similar to a 401k, but for education. The money you invest will be managed by financial professionals and your account contributions will qualify for tax advantages.

The Advanced Opportunities program gives every student in grades 7-12 $4,125 to use towards overload courses, dual credit classes, exams, and workforce training.

All U.S. military service branches offer education benefits that can be used both during and after service. Many military training programs count toward <a href="https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/college-credit">course credit</a> and some branches offer classes on base or online.  Most service members are eligible for tuition support through the <a href="https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/paying-college#jump-the-post-9%2f11-gi-bill">Post-9/11 GI Bill</a> and/or other <a href="https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/paying-college#jump-loan-repayment-programs">tuition repayment programs</a>.

College Cost Estimator

College Scorecard

Get the facts on how much your degree, program, or class will cost. Remember, there may be expenses that aren't included in the "sticker price" that we explained above. 

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Calculating the Cost of Education and Training

Get the facts on how much your degree, program, or class will cost

Understand Your Bill 

This is the price you pay for continuing education. The amount can change based on the academic program, the number of credit hours, and in-state vs. out-of-state residency.

Tuition and fees

Room and board (food) is a separate cost from tuition. An estimate of these expenses is provided on institution websites. If you want to relocate for school, first look up the new location’s cost of living.

Cost of Living

Ask an advisor or instructor at your school or program to estimate how much you will need to spend on books and materials for each class you plan to take.

Books and Supplies

Budget for expenses you will need to get to and from your class or training program—like gas, bus fare or parking fees.

Transportation

Think about laundry, cell phone bills, eating out and anything else you normally spend money on.

Personal expenses

Be it a 2- or 4-year degree or a 12-month certification, use this budgeting tool to figure out how much Idaho institutions will cost.

<ul>
<li>Private schools tend to cost more than state schools</li>
<li>State universities tend to cost more than state colleges</li>
<li><a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/apprenticeships">Apprenticeships</a> are a way to learn on the job, while still earning a paycheck</li>
<li>Idaho <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/training-directory">Workforce Training Centers</a> offer short-term classes, certificate courses, and career training with a variety of accessible cost structures</li>
<li><a href="https://boardofed.idaho.gov/higher-education-private/proprietary-schools-non-degree-granting/registered-school-listing/">Proprietary schools</a> are non-degree granting schools for industries like taxidermy, equine dentistry, gunsmithing, phlebotomy, truck driving, electrical linework, massage and more. Costs vary widely depending on the discipline and the length of the program.</li>
</ul>
For students interested in a 4-year degree: 
To save money, complete the first two years of your Bachelor’s degree at a state college then finish the second two years at a state university!

<ul>
<li>Virtually every college, university, career school, and training program will offer school-based aid and <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/scholarship-idaho">scholarships</a></li>
<li>Be sure to check priority admission/scholarship deadlines at the continuing education institutions you are considering; submitting early puts you in the running for the most funding possible</li>
<li>A <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/assets/uploads/2020/06/PDF-Next-Steps-Scholarship-Application-Tracker-Fillable-2020.pdf">scholarship tracker</a> will keep your findings (and applications) organized</li>
<li>High school seniors—and any student looking to attend college or career school in the next 12-months—should plan to spend at least an hour every week looking/applying for funding opportunities</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Submit a <a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).</a></li>
<li><a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants">Grants</a> and <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library/financial-aid-scholarships">scholarships</a> do not need to be repaid.</li>
<li><a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library/video-library/pay-yourself-first">Savings</a> come from the student and/or parent, and <a href="https://www.idsaves.org/home/features-and-benefits/ugift.html">gifts</a> from extended family members. Careful <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library?&amp;playlist=Budgeting%20%26amp%3B%20Saving&amp;sort=asc&amp;per_page=9&amp;page=1">budgeting</a> will help stretch these funds even further.</li>
<li>Federal and state <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library?&amp;playlist=Loans&amp;sort=asc&amp;per_page=9&amp;page=1">loans</a> must be repaid when you graduate.</li>
<li><a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library/how-to-save-on-tuition">Work</a> can include a student’s part-time job, summer or holiday jobs, a federal <a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/work-study">work-study</a> program, and more.</li>
<li>Have a strong <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library/strategies-for-debt-repayment">repayment plan</a> for any funds you do borrow.</li>
<li>Students need to account for the cost of <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library/living-on-your-own">living</a>, <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library/how-to-save-on-groceries">buying groceries,</a> and <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/video-library/buying-a-used-car">transportation</a>; not just the cost of classes, tools and books.</li>
</ul>
Warning: if at all possible DO NOT pay for continuing education with a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/05/14/should-i-pay-for-college-with-a-credit-card/39450489/">credit card</a>.
&nbsp;

What will it cost? Where will the money come from? 

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Achieving Your Goals

Are You Career Ready?

Brag Sheets & References

FAFSA

<ul>
<li>The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is created and coordinated by the U.S. Department of Education. It is safe and secure.</li>
<li>Nearly all colleges and career schools use the FAFSA to determine how much aid to offer each student. Financial aid funds are disbursed along a sliding scale of need and merit; the FAFSA is the most comprehensive and secure method of confirming a student’s position on that scale.</li>
<li>The federal government verifies the student&#8217;s information, but it is the colleges and/or programs that a student applies to that will use the info to dole out financial aid awards.</li>
<li>The FAFSA is a form. The use of “application” in the title is a bit of a misnomer.</li>
<li>On average, the FAFSA should take about <a href="https://studentaid.gov/help/how-long">30-minutes</a> to complete.</li>
<li>The U.S. Department of Education&#8217;s Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in financial aid to help pay for college or career school each year.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">Start the FAFSA by following this link!</a>

Federal Student Aid is changing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 academic year.
5 Things to Know about the FAFSA Changes:
<ol>
<li>The FAFSA will not open until December 2024.</li>
<li>Both students and parents must create a FSA ID before completing the form. The FSA ID can take up to 3 days to be verified.</li>
<li>If parents are divorced or separated, the parent who provided the most financial support in the last calendar year will now complete the form.</li>
<li>All persons contributing information on the FAFSA must consent to have their federal tax information transferred from the IRS, even non-filers.</li>
<li>The number of students a family has enrolled in college will no longer factor into the FAFSA calculation.</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/fafsa-simplification-information/2025-26-fafsa-roadmap">Check out the the 2025-26 FAFSA Roadmap</a>

<ul>
<li>Historically the FAFSA has opened on October 1 each year. However, FAFSA 2025-2026 will open in December.</li>
<li>You&#8217;re FAFSA should be completed by March 1st if you&#8217;re planning on applying for any state based financial aid.</li>
<li>If you want to start/continue professional training or college in September of the following year, it is best to start your FAFSA 11 months in advance. The earlier you submit it, the easier it will be to make plans since you will get answers and (if eligible) awards before candidates who apply in the spring.</li>
<li>June 30 of the year you plan to enroll at an institution is the most common priority deadline, though many colleges and technical programs have opportunities for priority consideration. These usually occur between December and March.</li>
<li>Each college and career/trade school may have it&#8217;s own deadline. Check with the school you&#8217;re interested in attending.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>The FAFSA is a requirement for most need-based financial aid, as well as many scholarship programs. If you hope to secure *ANY* kind of federal financial aid to pay for college or career school – from grants to federal student loans – you need to submit the FAFSA each year.</li>
<li>No Social Security Number?</li>
</ul>
<div class="row no-gutters justify-content-between">
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li class="paragraph">Undocumented students aren’t eligible for an SSN; thus, they cannot complete the FAFSA form. For information about obtaining an SSN, visit <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10009.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10009.pdf</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="row no-gutters justify-content-between">
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li class="paragraph">Your parent or spouse doesn’t need an SSN to create a StudentAid.gov account and complete their section of your FAFSA form.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/undocumented-students">Learn more by clicking here.</a>

Loans

Who is funding your loan? What terms and conditions will you be required to follow?

Federal loans are more favorable than private alternatives.

Types of Student Loans

The Loan Life Cycle

Research Your Options

Only Borrow What You Need