Financial Aid

There are several ways a student-athlete may receive financial aid - other then athletic scholarships.

• Aid Opportunity #1 - Financial Need Based Aid. Based on your family's Expected Family Contribution Number (a figure calculated by the US Dept of Education). Aid can come in the form of grants, loans, and work-study.
• Aid Opportunity #2 - Merit Based Aid. Based on a specific College or University's interest in you and a specific ability. Abilities in academic pursuits, the ability in music, drama or the like, and in athletics can create opportunities for aid. Colleges and Universities utilize aid to attract student to attend their school.
• Aid Opportunity #3 - Athletic Aid. Based on a specific College or University's interest in you and a specific ability in athletics. Abilities in athletics can create opportunities for aid. Colleges and Universities utilize aid to attract student to attend their school.

How Do You Take Advantage of Aid Opportunity #1?

You must first file for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Call CPOA PA at 724-837-6006 for help with your FAFSA forms, filing and other financial aid resources.

How Do You Take Advantage of Aid Opportunity #2 & #3?

Market yourself to the college. If you're an athlete, market yourself to the College Coach! The more schools who know about you, the more choice you have and the more leverage you have to generate offers of merit based aid.