Financial Aid

Students should research scholarships and grants from the schools they are interested in by utilizing the specific institution's financial aid department and website. All universities have different requirements for their financial aid and students must pay attention to the deadlines and applications of the specific schools to which they are applying. Click on the links below for more information on financial aid. Visit our Scholarships page to the left for links to numerous scholarship opportunities!

  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - What is FAFSA and why should I fill it out?  You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of aid to help you pay for college or career school.  Click here for a brief overview and click here to apply.

    Upcoming Changes to FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is getting a makeover later this year.  The Department of Education is getting ready to release a new, streamlined FAFSA in response to the FAFSA Simplification Act passed by Congress in 2020, which aims to reduce the number of questions on the application and make Pell Grants and other federal aid more accessible.  Click here for more information.

    Community College and the FAFSA - The cost of higher education is only increasing, whether you plan to attend a community college, a private university or a public institution.  Fortunately, there are various programs available to help parents and students pay for college.  However, most of these programs are dependent on you completing and submitting the FAFSA. Click here to find out how it applies to community college students. 

    What You Need to Know About Financial Aid - The Office of Financial Aid at Christopher Newport University put together this presentation to help explain common financial aid terms, such as cost of attendance, expected family contribution, and financial need.  Click here to view this helpful presentation.

    ECMC Student Resources - ECMC provides resources that can help you make informed decisions about planning and paying for college, to include Financial Awareness Basics, Resource Guides, an Estimate of College Costs and more!  Click here for more information.

If you are a foster, unaccompanied, or homeless youth, please see below for additional financial aid resources.

  • Project LIFE - Project LIFE (Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment) has many tools and resources to help teens and young adults from foster care to thrive.  Click here for more information.

    Great Expectations - Every student deserves a bright future. In Virginia, thousands of students who have experienced foster care find success through a Great Expectations program at one of Virginia’s Community Colleges. From selecting a school to securing financial aid to cover your tuition, Great Expectations can make it happen for you. Click here for more information.

    ECMC Resource Guides - ECMC provides college resource guides that cover a range of topics related to preparing for and going to college, to include housing insecurity and college, accessing college as an undocumented student, navigating the financial aid process and more!  Click here for more information.

    Homeless Youth Handbook - The Homeless Youth Handbook is a guide for homeless youth with information about your rights, responsibilities, and resources in every major aspect of your life. Each Handbook is created based upon State specific law – look at the Handbook for the State you live in for additional help and information. If your State is not available yet – check back!  New States are added often. Click here for more information.

    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers a comprehensive range of services consisting of workforce development activities benefiting job seekers—adults, dislocated workers, youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans, individuals with disabilities—and employers.  Browse the State Training Provider Directory for job opportunities in the local area.  Click here for a WIOA Fact Sheet and here for more information.

  • This list is for general informational purposes only.  Appearance on this list does not constitute an endorsement and descriptions of services from providers is not exhaustive.