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We're here to help you be smart about how you pay for school. So instead of just offering student loans, we also want to equip you with tips and strategies to help you borrow less. That's putting our members first.
For non-members, you'll be required to join Members 1st to meet eligibility requirements.
Do you need to take out a student loan to pay for your education? From applying for federal student aid to finding grants and scholarships, here's what to know before you apply.
After you've taken advantage of all the student aid and scholarships you can get, the next step is applying for an undergraduate loan. We offer great rates, flexible options, and personal guidance through the entire process.
If you need help financing your graduate degree, we'll lend you up to $200,000. With low rates at over 2,000 schools across the country, we've made it easy to get a loan that gets you where you want to go.
If you already have a student loan, why not pay less interest by refinancing at a lower rate with Members 1st? Choose from a variety of terms and save with every payment.
With a student loan through Members 1st, you get access to an unrivaled offering of tools and benefits.
How does family income impact financial aid?
The main purpose of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is to determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for the student. In other words, your family's income—as well as your own—play major roles in how much financial aid you receive. As a general rule, the more money you and your family make, the less financial aid you'll receive.
Does my choice of school affect my financial aid?
Yes. Not all universities are eligible for federal and state aid. Additionally, the cost of education plays a major role in determining the amount of aid that you'll receive. For example, you might receive more aid at a school that costs $30,000 per year than a school that costs $12,000 per year.
When should I apply for financial aid?
Start looking for scholarships at least a year before your first semester and continue until you have graduated. FAFSA® should be completed as early as October 1st. See the following link for a more detailed timeline. http://www.pheaa.org/partner-access/toolkit-downloads/fin-aid/pdf/Timeline.pdf (opens in a new tab)
I plan on attending a trade school. Can I still get financial aid?
Good news: you probably can. Financial aid is available to eligible students who are attending eligible post-secondary education institutions. Check with the financial aid office at the school(s) you are interested in to find out which types of aid each school offers.
We're here to help you get answers. Give us a call or stop by your nearest branch.
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