College Readiness Campaign

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vate colleges and
All of the material is for both parents and

students, but weve highlighted sections of
special importance to either group by icon
and color, as shown below.
student
information and
action steps for
students
information and
parent
action steps for

parents
PART ONE
The Path to College

Faith is taking the first step, even when you dont see the whole staircase.
Dr. MAR TIN L UTHER KING JR .
American clergyman and civil rights activist (1929-1968)
Getting accepted to college is the successful completion of a

path that begins in 9th grade, or even earlier. Its a big accomplishment, but the process is really just a series of smaller steps.
If you focus on one step at a time, you can achieve your college
admission goal.
We make reference throughout the workbook to Alabama
public universities, but the information and tips in this book apply to preparation for private universities as well.
Use this workbook as an information resource and planner. A
College Readiness Calendar is included, with a checklist of steps
for students and parents beginning in 9th grade. Use the Preferred Colleges Checklist to keep of track of information you
gather about schools that interest you.
For every aspect of the application process, detailed information is also available at www.aamu.edu and other websites.
Links and contact information are listed throughout the workbook, and are grouped on the Online Resources pages.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND

EARNINGS
WHY GO T O C OLLEGE ?
Here are a few of the ways in which a college education can improve the quality of your life:
You will gain knowledge. College students acquire skills and expertise in subjects that excite them. They learn how to think
critically and express their thoughts.
You will expand your horizons. College life is full of opportunities
to meet new friends, interact with experts in different fields and
gain hands-on learning and work experience.
You will secure your future. Higher education is associated with
better working conditions, more promotion opportunities and
job stability.
You will widen your career opportunities. More and more jobs
require education past high school.
You will increase your earning capacity. A person with a college
degree has the potential to earn more than a person without
one.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIGHER EDUCATION?

Knowledge. A college education teaches your student to
think critically and abstractly, to express thoughts and opinions,
and to weigh options and make informed decisions.
Potential. College brings your student a world of information
as he or she explores interests, and helps your student understand the issues that connect communities the nation and the
world.
Opportunity. Critical thinking and new technology skills are
vital for success and advancement in todays workforce and
economy and provide your student with more career and job
options.
Income. A college graduate typically has higher income and
will likely move out of your home, pay their bills, become selfsufficient and contribute positively to society.
PART TWO
Preparing for College

There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.
Author Unknown
College admissions reviewers look at a wide range of factors

when considering your application. Every student brings unique
experiences and talents to the application process. Each has
had different opportunities. These elements are weighed, along
with grades and test scores, to create a complete picture of
your readiness for college, of what you can contribute to the life
of the school.
At every institution the number of students applying for spaces
and the number of students who will be accepted varies. Some
colleges are very competitive and selective, with more applicants than there are positions available, others less so. Thats
why we strongly encourage you to surpass the minimum requirements, to ensure that you are competitive at the college
of your choice.
College Entrance Exams

Entrance exams are part of the college preparation process.
ACT/SAT
Students should take the ACT or SAT Reasoning Test by December of the senior year. Practice exams are available online at
sat.collegeboard.org and actstudent.org.
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) measures skills and knowledge students have accumulated in some areas over the course of their
education. Students should take the test in the tenth grade or
sooner, if possible, because they will receive personalized feedback on the academic skills needed for college. This will help
them develop these skills and
prepare for taking the SAT.
To be fully accepted into Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical

University, you must have a Composite Predictive Index (CPI)
score of 18 or higher. The CPI score is a combination of the high The ACT Test is a 3-hour national college admissions exam
school grade point average (GPA) and ACT/SAT scores. The
that tests students knowledge in English, math, reading and
GPA cannot be lower than a 2.0.
science. The ACT Plus Writing Test includes a 30-minute writing
test. Most colleges include the ACT or the SAT Reasoning Test as
a college entrance requirement.
Subject Sequence Outline:
The path to college admission begins with high school courseThe SAT Reasoning Test is a 3 hour test that measures critical
work. To be considered for admission, it is highly recommended
thinking, mathematical reasoning and writing skills.
at a minimum you complete 15 approved courses, 11 of them
by the end of your junior year (including courses taken in the
summer between junior and senior year) each with a grade of
C or better. Remember, these suggestions and are the miniThe personal statement may be required at some
mum requirements.
private or public colleges is a chance to present a
Heres a suggested 15-course pattern:
more complete description of yourself to the admisA. 2 years of history/social studies
sions and scholarship officers who read it.
B. 4 years of English
Think about all the information given in your application: your
C. 3 years of math
grades, exam scores, academic and athletic achievements, work
D. 2 years of lab science
experience and family background. What else do you want the
E. 2 years of a language other than English
person evaluating your application to know about you?
F. 1 year of visual and performing arts
Make the statement truly personal write honestly about
G. 1 year of college preparatory elective from A-F
yourself. Youll usually be given helpful prompts to respond to
in composing the essay. These will ask for specific examples of
the unique contributions you will bring to the college you want
to join.
Take your time with this part of the application. Proofread it
carefully, make sure it flows smoothly, and ask others to look it
over and make suggestions. Its just one aspect of your application, but its an important one.
Essential High School Classes

It is important that you take all of these classes and also
challenge yourself. Colleges look for students who have
taken challenging classes, and grades are weighed against
class difficulty.
4 Years
Language Arts
Completing courses like these will help you meet the basic
admission requirements at most colleges. Your high
schools graduation requirements may differ.
3 Years
3 Years
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Trigonometry/
Calculus
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Geography
Composition
English Literature U.S. and World
History
Speech
World Literature Economics
Government/
Political Science
3 Years
1 Year
2 Years
World Language
Classes like:
Spanish
French
German
Mandarin
(Chinese)
The Arts
Classes like:
Drama
Music
Media Arts
Drawing/Painting
Note: Beginning with the class of 2015, students must complete Algebra I by the end of eighth grade.
Earn College Credit in High School

Students and parents discuss these options and opportunities
to earn college credit in high school with your school counselor.
What is International Baccalaureate (IB)?
IB is a two-year pre-college diploma program offered at some
high schools that help prepare students for college. IB students
earn an IB diploma after completing IB classes, community
service and research papers culminating in an final exam, and
depending on the score, students may earn college credit.
What are Advanced Placement (AP) classes?
AP classes are higher level courses students can take in high
school and earn college credit for theses classes if they score
high enough on the final exam for the course.
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students
(usually sophomores, juniors, and seniors) to enroll in college
courses for credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through dual enrollment can be simultaneously applied toward high school and college graduation and can be
transferred to other colleges or universities.
Language Arts
Communication is vital in college and in any job. People who can read and
write are people who succeed. You should take as many courses in reading, writing and speaking as possible.
Mathematics
Everyone uses numbers in the real world to solve problems. Two years of
algebra and one year of geometry are recommended, but its best for you
to take even more than that.
Science
Learning how things work and understanding the world around you is
exciting. It also helps you understand how science affects your community
and the world.
Social Studies
Classes in geography, civics, history and economics will help understand
what is happening in the world and his or her place in it.
High School Class Plan

Many high schools require students to take a certain
sequence of classes each year. Below is a common sequence, but your school may have different requirements.
World Languages
9th Grade
Studying a different language is a great way to learn about another culture. Make sure you take at least two years of the same language.
Algebra II/Geometry
The Arts
Geography
English Composition
Art helps your student explore and appreciate his or her creative side.
Earth Sciences
World Language
Electives
10th Grade
High school allows you to explore interests through optional courses

called electives. Check with your high school counselor to learn what is
offered at your high school. Your school may offer courses like:
English Composition
Geometry/Trigonometry
Biology or Chemistry
U.S. History
World Language
Agriculture
Graphic Design
Accounting
Journalism
Creative Writing
Marketing
Electronics
Photography
Chemistry
Family/Consumer Science
Web Design
Economics
11th Grade
English/World Literature
Trigonometry/Calculus
Computer Science
Make sure you take at least one computer class. It may not be required for graduation, but computer skills are extremely important for
success in college and in life.
12th Grade
English/World Literature
Physics I or Physics II
Political Science or World History
Theatre
Sample Education Plans for the Classes of 2016 & 2017
Deserve Your Dream.

OCTAVIO PAZ
Mexican author (1914-1998)
Academic Enrichment
College Knowledge
Part of preparing for college admission is building a strong set of

academic activities outside of high school. In addition to improving
test scores and class performance, these pursuits will show that
you are motivated to take on extra work to become a competitive
applicant. And you can explore your special interests with classes
and internships before declaring a college major.
These activities can include:
Summer session courses at a college
Writing and math workshops
Dual or Concurrent enrollment at community college
Summer internships
College Knowledge is the information you gather about specific

colleges and their rightness for you, and about financial aid,
housing and other practical aspects of college.
Learn as much as you can about Universities that interest you. For
example, Alabama A&M University has four separate colleges on
campus. All share the high academic standards, with top-notch
faculties and research facilities, yet each has its own distinctive
characteristics. Researching the University that best suit your
needs and academic strengths should begin early. Your high school
counselor can help you decide. Use the form in Part Three for making notes.
Activities to deepen your College Knowledge include:
Extra-Curricular Activities
Researching colleges online
Colleges also look at non-academic activities that take place outside of school, including jobs (paid or unpaid), school- based activi- Visiting campuses in person
ties (such as student government, service clubs, yearbook, etc.) or Attending financial aid and college application workshops
activities affiliated with a community organization or a faith-based
group. Admissions officers prefer to see sustained participation in a
few activities rather than a wide array of short-lived ones.
Huntsville Higher Educational Systems At A Glance

University of Alabama in
Huntsville
Community College
College
Minimum Grade
Point
(GPA)
ACT composite score of 16

or a total score of 790 on
the SAT
No
a-g
recommended.
or
Composite
Predictive Index (CPI)
score of 18 or higher
Writing or
in a-g
coursework.
or
with
university).
in a-g
coursework.
of
Arts
Oakwood University
with
university).
(BA),
of
degrees.
degrees.
Admission
Open
first
Period
on
Open
of the
with college for
30.
or
on
or
PART THREE
Footwork
COLLEGE READINESS CALENDAR FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS 9th 12th GRADE
Students:
Meet with your high school counselor
to learn which courses meet a-g
college entrance requirements and plan
your enrollment in these courses.
With your counselor, create a four-year
class schedule that meets both high
school graduation and a-g college entrance requirements.
Parents:
Visit the school and meet your students teachers and counselor; ask how
and when its best to communicate with them. Let them know you expect
your student to be ready for college. Learn when report cards will come out, and ask
for progress updates.
Encourage your student to explore extra-curricular activities at school
and in the community.
Check the high school website for information about events, testing dates,
attendance reports and access to your students grades.
Find out if your school has educational outreach or college readiness programs
such as Upward Bound.
Students:
Parents:
Talk with your parents about your

academic strengths and weaknesses.
Explore tutoring resources to improve in
weak areas.
Enroll in honors courses in subjects
at which you excel.
Check in with your students teachers

and counselor to find out how he
or she is doing academically and socially.
Social challenges can affect academic performance.
Students:
Look early for summer jobs or internships early. Consider those that will
expand your academic and leadership capacities.
Together:
Create a college information folder for
materials on college-related topics.
Complete your taxes and FAFSA.
Together:
Explore summer academic enrichment
opportunities at high school or
community college; apply as early as
March for these courses.
Students:
Create a summer reading list, with
input from teachers, counselors
and librarians.
Keep talking with the adults in your life
about your future plans. Ask them about
how their own decisions and plans worked
out.
President Obama extended $20 million in Pell

Grants to high school students who take college
courses through dual enrollment programs at
local colleges earning college credit beginning
2016-2017.
Students:
Parents:
Together:
Review your four-year academic plan

with your parents, teachers and counselor. Make sure you are on track with
fulfilling college course requirements.
Find out how to sign up for classes that
earn college credit in high school.
Prepare and register early for the
PSAT.
Meet your students teachers

and counselor.
Find out how your student can earn
college credit in high school.
Encourage your student to seek
help with challenging subjects,
enlisting a tutor if necessary.
Participate in a college fair and

attend a college financial aid
workshop if one is offered.
Work together to find interesting
extracurricular activities that work
with the family schedule. Explore opportunities for the student to take a leadership
role in current activities.
Students:
Set up free online accounts
with collegeboard.org . The College
Board account allows you to research
colleges and help you prepare for the
SAT Reasoning Test.
Parents:
Set up a separate email account for

all college-related correspondence.
Students:
Begin early to explore summer jobs,
academic enrichment and volunteer
opportunities, being mindful of application deadlines. Ask your counselor about
summer courses available to you at local
colleges.
Look into free courses by local
community colleges. Some might earn
you honors or even college credit.
Meet with your school counselor
to discuss junior year coursework,
especially AP and honors courses.
Students:
Register and take classes for college
credit.
Create a summer reading list from
the recommendations of teachers,
counselors or a librarian.
Talk to your student about his or her

progress in school. Identify areas in
which he or she excels, and encourage
enrollment in honors and AP or IB curses
in those subjects.
Talk about possible careers with your
student. Help identify people you
know whose careers are of interest to
him or her, and arrange meetings with
them.
Parents:
Meet with your student to discuss
the activities listed at left.
Together:
Review the PSAT score report
and discuss areas of challenge,
in preparation for the SAT Reasoning
Test the following year.
Research and discuss colleges
and costs.
Take a tour of a local college or
university while school is in session,
to get a feel for the campus.
If
II
to
in the
to
with the
of junior
in
recruited,
I or
or
Students:
Parents:
Together:
Sign up to take the PSAT in October.

Make a list of colleges you are
considering, noting campus size,
location and resources.
Learn the entrance requirements
for the schools on your list.
Sign up for classes that earn college
credits.
Discuss your students collegepreparation progress with teachers

and counselors.
Help your student take classes that
earn college credits.
Help your student research scholarship
options.
Attend a college night or college fair.

Take a tour of a local college while
classes are in session, to get a feel
for the campus.
Research scholarships at your target
colleges.
Familiarize yourselves with the costs
of college: tuition, fees, housing, food etc...
Students:
Parents:
Together:
Look for your PSAT results to arrive

in December.
Investigate which type of education is
needed for the career you desire.
Register to take the ACT and/or SAT in
the Spring.
Research scholarship options.
credits.
Study your students PSAT scores so

you will be aware of areas that need
strengthening as he or she prepares for
the SAT.
Ask your students counselor about
fee waivers for the ACT and SAT.
Eligible students can receive up to two
waivers for each test.
Carefully plan the schedule for the

spring ACT and SAT Reasoning Tests.
Schedules and practice tests are at
collegeboard.com and act.org.
Students:
Parents:
Together:
Take at least 1 practice exam before

you take the ACT or SAT Test.
Review your senior schedule with your
counselor.
Apply for summer jobs and academic enrichment opportunities, including volunteer
work.
Prepare early for the May AP and IB Exams.
Use online tools such as the FAFSA

Forecaster (fafsa4caster.ed.gov) to
estimate potential financial aid and your
Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Research and register your student for
summer learning programs such as Upward Bound or Governors Schools.
Begin actively searching for scholarships and financial aid
Register 6-8 weeks ahead, to get best

practice exam dates and locations.
Continue college visits while classes

are in session.
Students:
Parents:
Together:
Attend 1 or 2 summer learning programs.

credits.
Make a draft of your personal
statement if required.
Create a summer reading list with
recommendations from teachers,
counselors and the local library.
If planning a summer vacation,

include a college tour.
Use the Preferred Colleges Research

Checklist to create a list of target
schools and keep track of their various admission requirements.
Mark your calendars with important
deadlines for applications and
financial aid.
Register now for ACT, SAT Reasoning
or SAT Subject Tests in the fall.
Early registration will ensure availability of the best locations

and dates for the ACT and SAT.
REMEMBER: the December test date is the last opportunity to
meet application deadlines.
Students:
Parents:
Together:
If you have not registered for ACT,

SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests,
do so now.
Identify 3 or 4 people whose
judgment you trust to review your
application materials. Ask for any letters
of recommendation
for colleges that require them at least
three weeks before they are due. Provide
your sources with forms, your resume and
stamped, pre-addressed envelopes.
Make sure your guidance counselor
sends your transcripts to colleges
that require them.
Send your official ACT and/or SAT
scores to all colleges to which youre
applying.
credits.
Apply for scholarships.
Review all the steps at left with

your student, to make sure they
are completed on time.
Make sure your student takes (or retakes) the ACT and/or SAT.
Attend a financial aid event with your
student.
Help your student select and apply to
colleges that interest them and meet your
requirements.
Help your student search and apply for
scholarships.
Go over all the admission requirements and deadlines for each school
to which the student is applying.
Review details with counselor.
Students:
Parents:
Together:
Meet with college friends returning

for winter break, and ask for their
suggestions on preparing for the first semester of college.
File your taxes as early as possible

but no later than April 15.
Take note of scholarship applications

due in December.
Beginning January 1, the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is
available. Parent and student will need
separate PIN numbers to apply online.
Attend a Financial Aid Day at your
students school and or local college.
Files your taxes (if you worked) as early

as possible but no later than April 15.
Apply for any college application fee

waivers directly through each college.
If youve received an SAT or ACT fee
waiver you may be eligible for an application fee waiver.
Attend a college fairs or college
open houses.
Apply to Alabama A&M University and
most other state colleges by November
30th.
Note: most priority financial aid

deadlines are in February.
Look for the Student Aid Report (SAR),
about four weeks after youve completed the FAFSA. Make any changes and
return it. If you dont receive it, call 800.433
-3243.
Students:
Parents:
Look early for a summer job,

internship or volunteer opportunity.
Continue to maintain good grades
and attendance.
Look for admissions decisions (and
financial aid awards) to arrive in April.
Prepare for the AP and IB Exams, held in
the first two weeks of May. If your scores
qualify, you can earn course credit at many
colleges. Send your scores to the college you
will attend in the fall.
If you have been wait-listed, contact
the admissions counselor and express
your continued interest in the school.
Find out about test dates for any
placement exams your college
might require.
Review all the steps at left with

your student to make sure they
are completed on time.
Together:
Compare aid award letters. Contact

financial aid officers if you have
questions. If you have not received enough
aid, ask if other options are available.
Review all acceptance and aid letters.

Notify all colleges of acceptance or
rejection of admission or financial aid
offers by May.
If you have not received financial aid
awards information from a college
within a month of receiving an acceptance
letter, contact the colleges financial aid
office immediately.
Send a deposit to the chosen college.
Investigate summer preparatory
programs at the college the student
will attend. These programs offer for-credit
courses and can provide a successful start
to college.
If the student is not admitted to any
of the colleges to which he or she
applied, make an appointment with the
school counselor immediately, to discuss
options.
Together:
Students:
Confirm that your final transcripts
Make preparations for the following

school year.
have been sent to the college you will

attend in the fall.
to
questions.
BC)
COLLEGE READINESS FAQS
Q How do I know if my student qualifies for a fee waiver for

the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, ACT or college admissions?
A If your family qualifies for free or reduced-cost lunch, you will

qualify for a fee waiver. The high school counselor will have
information on fee waivers for the ACT and SAT.
Q What is the difference between the ACT and the SAT?

Which one should my student take?
A The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what your student has learned in school. The SAT Reasoning Test is more like
an aptitude exam, testing reasoning and verbal abilities.
The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. If you take the ACT,
some colleges require that you take the ACT Plus Writing.
The SAT Reasoning Test has 3 components: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. (There are also SAT Subject Tests, usually
not required for admission to colleges, but taken voluntarily to
show aptitude in a given subject.
Many students opt to take both exams, to find out which suits
them best. Counselors can provide more information about the
exams.
Q Ive heard the terms eligibility and competitive eligibility.

What is the difference?
A Eligibility
means that a student has met all the basic en-
trance requirements (coursework, GPA, entrance exams.) To be

competitively eligible means that the student goes beyond the
basic requirements. To gain admission to more selective colleges, students should focus on being competitively eligible.
What does it mean to have a college

major?
Four-year colleges require students to major in a
specific subject.
A major s an area of study that focuses on

while in college and is usually an area that you
might want to work in someday.
A minor is an additional area of study that requires less course work than a major, but one
that may also help in your career.
Students usually choose (ordeclare) a major in

their second or third year at college, but most students change their majors at least once between
their freshman and junior year. Students can also
major in more than one subject.
Q What if my student receives a poor grade in an required
When deciding on a major or minor, its helpful for

you to ask:
course?
What interests me?
A Talk to your students high school counselor immediately.
What do I like to do?
What do I value?
What is the job market like for careers in majors that interest me?
The student will have different options:

Retaking the course (this is the option that should
be taken whenever possible)
Taking a comparable course at a community college
Taking an approved online course
Your students counselor will help you make the best decision.
The key is to address this quickly!
YOUR PREFERRED COLLEGES:

NAME
RESEARCH CHECKLISTS
DATE
PSAT Scores Critical Reading:
Math:
SAT Scores SAT I Combined:
Critical Reading:
Writing:
Math:
Writing:
ACT Scores ACT Composite:

English:
Math:
Reading:
Science:
Writing:
AP Scores
IB Scores
Dual Enrollment Credits
College Courses and Grade
Cumulative GPA:
Major Interests
It is important to help focus on your interests and know which institutions exist to help you reach your collegiate goals. Through
the combined use of College Board, College Navigator and your own personal research, please indicate your FIT, REACH, and SAFE
schools, and a short explanation for why that school is right for you and why you are right for that school.
Once you know what youre looking for, you can start crafting list of colleges that fit your specifications. Dont include schools on
your list that you wouldnt be willing to attend. As your list takes shape, include schools that fall into one of the following three
categories: match, reach, safety.
A FIT school is one where you academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the schools range for the average freshman.
There are no guarantees, but its not unreasonable to be accepted to several of your fit schools.
A REACH school is one where you academic credentials fall below the schools range for the average freshman. Reach schools are
long-shots, but they should still be possible. If you have a 2.0 GPA, Harvard is not a reach school its a dream.
A SAFE school is one where your academic credentials fall above the schools range for the average freshman. You can be reasonably certain that you will be admitted to your safe schools.
Apply to a few schools from each category (many applicants apply to around three reach schools, three match schools and two
safety schools). Separating them will help you manage your expectations throughout the admissions process. It will also ensure
that you set ambitious goals and give yourself some back-up options.
Go to the College Board web site (www.collegeboard.org) then click on Students. Then click on Find a College and locate each
of your choices either by typing in its name or completing the search process and complete the worksheet and checklist. You can
also go to the College Navigator web site (www.http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/) to do your research.
Adapted From Match, Reach and Safety Schools published by The Princeton Review
COLLEGE RESEARCH
INFORMATION TO RESEARCH
Safe College
Type of school (public/private)
Degrees Offered
Application Deadline
Financial Aid Deadline
Percent of Applicants Admitted
Middle 50% SAT Critical Reading Scores
Middle 50% SAT Math Scores
Middle 50% SAT Writing Scores
Middle 50% ACT Composite Score

In-state Tuition and Fees
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
Most Popular Majors
What Interests Me About This College
What makes this school right for you and why are
you right for this school?
FINDINGS
COLLEGE RESEARCH
Fit College
Degrees Offered

Most Popular Majors
FINDINGS
COLLEGE RESEARCH
Reach College
Degrees Offered

Most Popular Majors
FINDINGS
Go the College Navigator web site (www.http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/). Click Guide Me. Type the name of your Safe
College in Name of School, Select State, Level of Award, Institution Type and then Click Show Results. Click Add to Favorites.
Repeat steps for Fit College and Reach College.
Move mouse to over My Favorites. Click Check All for your Safe, Fit and Reach Choices. Click Compare compare your
three options. You can Print or Save your results.
Below is an example of the Comparison Results.
ALABAMA A & M
UNIVERSITY
JOHN C CALHOUN STATE

COMMUNITY COLLEGE
OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF
ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE
City, State
Normal, Alabama
Tanner, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Type
4-year, Public
2-year, Public
4-year, Private not-for-profit
4-year, Public
Campus setting
City: Midsize
Rural: Fringe
City: Midsize
City: Midsize
ESTIMATED STUDENT EXPENSES (BEFORE AID)

Alabama A & M University
John C Calhoun State

Community College
Oakwood University
Huntsville
Undergraduates
Undergraduates
Undergraduates
Undergraduates
On Campus
$35,750
Off Campus
$34,210
Off Campus with Family
$24,610
On Campus
$22,896
$24,480
Off Campus
$22,896
$13,520
$24,480

Out-of-state
$14,756
$9,020
$15,275
On Campus
$30,666
$35,974
Off Campus
$30,666
$16,970
$35,974
$22,526
$12,470
$26,769
Total for
In-state
All student expenses data apply to full-time first-time degree/certificate-seeking students for academic year 2015-2016.
FINANCIAL AID
Alabama A & M
University

Community College
Oakwood University
Huntsville
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students, 2013-2014

Percent receiving any financial aid
96%
79%
95%
87%
89%
62%
91%
76%
$7,576
$4,846
$9,154
$8,430
80%
52%
46%
25%
$4,963
$5,020
$4,787
$4,918
Grant aid received

Total grants
Percent receiving
Average amount received
Federal
Percent receiving
Pell
Percent receiving
80%
52%
46%
25%
$4,818
$4,917
$4,389
$4,699
6%
6%
9%
3%
$2,009
$1,260
$1,991
$1,842
1%
1%
18%
1%
$1,250
$3,937
$851
$1,625
49%
14%
85%
66%
$5,666
$2,148
$6,979
$7,811
85%
34%
67%
43%
$7,414
$4,730
$8,743
$6,308
85%
34%
67%
43%
$7,337
$4,714
$7,334
$5,661
1%
8%
3%
$5,980
$2,301
$12,503
$11,207
Other Federal
Percent receiving
State/Local
Percent receiving
Institutional
Percent receiving
Student loans received
Total loans
Percent receiving
Federal
Percent receiving
Non-federal
Percent receiving
NET PRICE
Alabama A & M
University
Average net price, 20132014

Community College
Oakwood University
Huntsville
Based on students paying
in-state or in-district tuition
Based on students paying in Based on students paying in

-state or in-district tuition
-state or in-district tuition
Full-time beginning undergraduate students who received grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution
2013-2014
$14,746
$5,342
$26,979
$13,270
Full-time beginning undergraduate students who received Title IV Aid by income

$0 $30,000
$14,601
$4,335
$22,815
$15,224
$30,001 $48,000
$14,882
$5,556
$24,058
$16,849
$48,001 $75,000
$17,479
$8,106
$26,883
$19,820
$75,001 $110,000
$18,397
$9,805
$26,027
$20,931
$110,001 and more
$19,727
$9,649
$27,674
$21,107
Total enrollment
5,333
10,802
1,939
7,348
Undergraduate enrollment
4,210
10,802
1,880
5,618
Undergraduate transfer-in
enrollment
181
680
80
685
Full-time
93%
37%
93%
77%
Part-time
7%
63%
7%
23%
Male
48%
44%
43%
57%
Female
52%
56%
57%
43%
American Indian or Alaska

Native
0%
2%
1%
1%
Asian
0%
3%
0%
4%
93%
18%
85%
12%
Hispanic/Latino
1%
4%
2%
4%
Native Hawaiian or other

Pacific Islander
0%
0%
0%
0%
White
3%
66%
1%
70%
Two or more races
0%
4%
0%
2%
Race/ethnicity unknown
1%
2%
3%
4%
Non-resident alien
1%
1%
8%
4%
ENROLLMENT
Undergraduates by Attendance Status
Undergraduates by Gender
Undergraduates by Race / ethnicity
Black or African American
Undergraduates by Age (Fall 2013)

24 and under
89%
63%
84%
74%
25 and over
10%
37%
15%
26%
0%
0%
1%
0%
In-state
64%
96%
9%
80%
Out-of-state
31%
2%
82%
18%
Foreign countries
0%
0%
6%
1%
Unknown
5%
2%
3%
1%
Alabama A & M
University

Community College
Oakwood University
Huntsville
$30
$25
$30
Percent admitted
53%
48%
82%
Percent admitted who enrolled
23%
37%
42%
25th Percentile
377
422
520
75th Percentile
470
530
670
25th Percentile
370
390
530
75th Percentile
470
510
650
25th Percentile
370
75th Percentile
470
25th Percentile
15
17
24
75th Percentile
19
22
30
25th Percentile
14
16
24
75th Percentile
19
23
31
25th Percentile
15
16
23
75th Percentile
18
21
28
Age unknown
Undergraduates by Residence
All enrollment data, unless otherwise specified, are for Fall 2014.
ADMISSIONS
Undergraduate application
fee (2015-2016)
Admissions Fall 2014
SAT Critical Reading
SAT Math
SAT Writing
ACT Composite
ACT English
ACT Math
PART FOUR
Paying for College

Getting a college education is a big investment, but dont assume the cost is out of your familys reach. To those who qualify, help is available. Like every step of preparing for college, figuring out how to pay for it is a matter of research and footwork.
In this section well outline different options for meeting college
tuition, fees and expenses. To make college more affordable the
Department of Education are encourages students to complete
as many college credits possible in high school as possible
through programs such as Advanced Placement, International
Bachelorette, and Dual Enrollment. A student can complete the
equivalent of two years of college credits before they graduate
from high school without paying anything.
Failure to complete the teaching service commitment will

result in the grant being converted to a Direct Unsubsidized
Loan that must be repaid. Annual award is up to $4000.
Scholarships
Money you dont have to repay, usually based on the students
skills, interests, areas of study or scholastic performance.
Athletic, musical or other special talents
Community service
Good grades
High test scores
Alabama A&M University offers thousands of dollars in scholarships based on merit. Scholarships are also available through
community and religious organizations, foundations, businesses
Grants, scholarships, loans and work-study are all forms of fiand labor unions.
nancial assistance. Funding comes from federal, state and/or
Work Study
private sources. Nearly all undergraduate students at all levels
Funded by the federal government, this program provides finanreceive some form of financial aid.
cial assistance through student employment.
These include:
Indicate your interest in work study on the Free Application for
Grants
Federal Aid (FAFSA). Colleges help students in finding job placeGrants are cash gifts you dont have to repay, based on financial ment. Non-need based job opportunities are also available
need as determined by the FAFSA.
through colleges. Jobs often have flexible that will fit a students
Alabama State Grant: The Alabama Student Grant Program schedule.
is a state student assistance program established August 4, Loans
1978 by the Legislature of the State of Alabama and deStudent and parent loans provide money that must be repaid
signed to provide financial assistance to residents of the
with interest, usually beginning after graduation. Many students
State of Alabama for undergraduate non-sectarian, secular and their families take out federal or private loans to finance
education at independent, non-profit, postsecondary insti- college. Loans are available to U.S. citizens and permanent resitutions of higher learning located within the State of Aladents at all income levels. Federal loans have a low interest rate
bama.
and are paid back over a minimum of 10 years. Apply for loans
Pell Grant: The largest source of free federal money for

by completing the FAFSA.
students with financial need. Awards range from $400 to
Federal Perkins Loan: This is a low-interest loan for students
over $5,000 per year.
with significant financial need. The Perkins offers one of the
lowest interest rates among loans (5%).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
(FSEOG) : Awarded to undergraduate students who have Federal PLUS Loan for Parents: Unsubsidized loan to parents to
exceptional financial need and who have not earned a bach- help students pay for college based on parents credit standing.
elors or graduate degree. Not all colleges participate in the The amount parents may borrow is determined by subtracting
all financial aid from the cost of attendance.
FSEOG program Annual Award is up to $4000.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Edu- Federal Direct Loan: Depending on your need and eligibility,
the Direct Loan may be subsidized or unsubsidized. The Direct
cation (TEACH) Grant : For undergraduate students who
Subsidized Loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.5%, and the Direct
are or will be taking coursework necessary to become elementary or secondary teachers. Must agree to serve, for a Unsubsidized Loan has a fixed rate of 6.8%. The amount you can
borrow depends on your year in school and whether you have a
minimum of four years (within eight years of completing
Subsidized or Unsubsidized Direct Loan. Borrowing limits for
academic program), as a full-time teacher in a high-need
freshman year are $5500, of which no more than $3500 can be
field in a school or educational service agency that serves
in subsidized loans.
low-income students. Must attend a participating college
and meet certain academic achievement requirements .
Learning More about Financial Aid at Your Colleges

More than half of all undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid. 1
Each colleges cost of attendance is different, each college has its own financial
aid reserve, and each student has different financial needs.
For these reasons, the financial aid you receive from one college may be quite
different from the financial aid you receive from another. Have you explored the
cost of attendance at your top-choice colleges? Once you learn more about the
cost of these colleges, you can consider your own resources and start looking into additional ways to help pay.
Since financial aid awards may influence your college decisions, learn as much as possible about financial aid opportunities at the
colleges youre interested in attending. Keep in mind that every students financial aid situation is unique, and colleges and State
and Federal governments will evaluate it when determining the amount of financial aid you qualify for.
Remember: All colleges use data from your FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine your financial
need. Alabama A&M Universitys Federal School Code to receive financial aid and scholarships is 001002.
1
Source: Student Financing of Undergraduate Education: 19992000; Berkner, Berker, Rooney, and Peter [MPR Associates, Inc],
National Post Secondary Aid Study, National Center for Education Statistics; July 2002.
Take a look at your safe, realistic and reaching college
choices from your preferred college research checklists. How much do each of them cost? How much is
room and board? Are you eligible for grants, merit,
academic or athletic scholarships?
Completing the FAFSA: The Student Section

The FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the firstand most importantstep to getting money for college.
Almost all colleges and universities base financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study) on your FAFSA data.
The FAFSA is a legal, U.S. government form on which you record your personal and family income information. Using methodology made law by Congress (termed federal methodology), the government uses income data to calculate the dollar amount you and/or
your family can contribute toward your college education. This dollar amount is called
your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The FAFSA is crucial to the financial aid process
because it is the form used to determine your EFC.
Colleges use your EFC to calculate your financial need and thus your financial aid award.
COST of ATTENDANCE
Expected Family Contribution
= Financial Need
Your calculated financial need is usually the amount you can expect to receive in the form of grants, loans, and/or work-study.
The FAFSA is free, and so is help in completing it.
Have you applied for your Federal Student Aid PIN? This serves as your electronic signature for the FAFSA.
http://www.pin.ed.gov.
Submit the FAFSA as Early as Possible!

Where to Get the FAFSA?
There are two ways to complete the FAFSA:
1. Online
2. On a paper form
You can locate FAFSA forms in your high school counseling
office or local library. However, completing and submitting the
FAFSA online is the recommended method.
Deadlines for financial aid from your colleges, states, and private sources are often much earlier than federal aid deadlines.
Since most financial aidfederal or notis awarded based on
your FAFSA data, make sure you submit the FAFSA as soon as
you can after January 1. However, dont bother submitting the
FAFSA before January 1; the federal government will not process it until after the New Year and theyll require you to resubmit it later.
Most colleges want you to submit the FAFSA by February 15,

but some might want it earlier. Be sure to research the deadlines at each of your colleges. You can call a colleges financial
aid office for more information. Even if your colleges FAFSA
Why? Here are just a few reasons why completing the FAFSA on deadlines are later, get yours done by February 15the earlier
colleges receive your financial need information, the more aid
the web is recommended:
is likely to be available if you qualify.
Complete the FAFSA Online!
If you make a mistake, like neglecting to complete a necessary field, youll be informed immediately (if you complete
the paper version of FAFSA, you arent informed of mistakes until after you mail it inmeaning, you could wait
several weeks before you even know you must make corrections).
Colleges have more institutional aid to give earlier in the process rather than later, so increase your chances of getting the
aid you need by submitting your FAFSA by February 15.
Cash Savings Note: Complete the FAFSA for the current academic year and the next academic year. You may want to take
enroll in summer classes or dual enrollment credit classes in
You indicate which colleges you want to get your FAFSA
information by entering particular college codes in the ap- high school. For financial aid purposes, the summer term is
propriate section of the FAFSA and you can only enter four. treated as a trailer to the academic year, thus students accessThe online FAFSA collects college codes automaticallyso ing aid for the summer term would not affect their eligibility for
assistance for the next academic year. Students would receive
you dont have to look them up!
full consideration for financial aid resources for which they are
eligible. However, funding for the summer term is limited to
Your Student Aid Report (SAR) is sent to you via email in
just a few days. If you file your FAFSA using the paper ver- the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans.
sion, you will have to wait a few weeks to get your SAR,
which will be mailed to you. Communication with the U.S.
Department of Education is much faster and easier when
The FAFSA has two sections:
you complete the FAFSA online.
1. Student section
2. Parent or guardian section
You can update and make corrections quickly by simply
What You Need to Get Started
logging into your personal FAFSA account.
Your parents can access your FAFSA account as well (with

their own PIN numbers), so they can complete necessary
parent sections and make corrections quickly, from any
Internet connection.
You can access your FAFSA anytime from any Internet connection. Your student account will remain active, giving
you the ability to make updates to it the following year
when you are required to submit the FAFSA for your second year of college.
These sections are denoted by menu item in the online version

and by color in the paper version (for example, students may
refer to yellow, while parents refer to purple; colors change
yearly). Start the FAFSA by completing all of the information
you can on your own. Focus on the easy stuffyour section,
the student section. After youre done with your part, have
your parents or guardians complete their part.
There are a few documents youll need to coordinate before you start the FAFSA. Make it easy on yourself; use the checklist below
to get organized. Note: Some of these documents may not apply to you.
STUDENT DOCUMENTS
IVE GOT IT!
Your Social Security Number

Your Alien Registration Card (If applicable)
Your drivers license number
Your current bank statement
Your previous two years tax returns
Your W-2 forms and 1099 forms
Youll Need Tax and Income Information To ensure accuracy on the FAFSA, complete your taxes as soon as possible after
January 1. Encourage your parents to complete their taxes early because their income information is needed in the FAFSA, too.
Having your Federal Student Aid PIN will help you apply for aid electronically.
Help!
Because it requires tax and income information, the FAFSA may seem a bit complicated. Take your time reading the FAFSA. Youll
find that most of it is self-explanatory and very clear. Dont let the details get to you. If you have questions or need some help,
there are many places where help is available. Start by consulting with your advisor. Your high school counselor may be available to
help. Your parents may have insight as well.
Completing the FAFSA: The Parent Section

Now that youve started to explore the FAFSA, youve probably discovered that there are several questions your parents or legal
guardians will have to complete. This means its time to delve into the parent section. Early on in the process, let your parents or
guardians know that youll need their help and participation in order to complete the FAFSA.
Remember, if you choose to complete the FAFSA online, youll need to provide your parents or guardians with the necessary details
or sit down in front of a computer with them as they complete the parent section.
Important! Use the Most Current Tax Information The U.S. Department of Education recommends that federal income
tax returns be completed before starting the FAFSA. This means that you or your parents may have to complete tax return information sooner than usual. Even if you or your parents cannot complete taxes beforehand, dont delay completing your FAFSA. Use
your tax information from the previous year to estimate income amounts. However, if your income information or your parents
income has changed significantly between last year and the year before that (say, if a parent was unemployed the year before but
is now employed), you should make an effort to use the tax information for the current year.
Keep in mind that tax returns do not have to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) before you submit the FAFSA.
Heads up! Never over-report your familys or your own income. The government will think you can pay more toward your education than you really can and you may not qualify for the amount of aid you need. You should never under-report either. Aid forms
are subject to verification and should be as accurate as possible.
There are several documents your parents or guardians will need to have available. Make the process easier on them and yourself
by providing them with the list below.
Remember: You can access additional information about the FAFSA or request paper versions of the documentation found online by
calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at (800) 4-FED-AID.
Documents Your Parents or Legal Guardians Should Provide

PARENT DOCUMENTS
WEVE GOT IT!
Their Social Security Number(s)

Their Alien Registration Card (If applicable)
Mortgage information (if applicable)
Their current bank statement(s)
Their previous two years tax returns
Their W-2 forms and 1099 forms
Records of untaxed income, like Social Security, welfare.
Disability, and veterans benefits
Records that describe any unusual family circumstances
(for example, medical and dental bills not covered by
health insurance, loss of employment, etc.)
Business and farm records (if applicable)
Cash Savings Note: Parents remember to complete the FAFSA for the current academic year
and the next academic year. Your student may want to take enroll in summer classes or dual enrollment credit classes in high school. For financial aid purposes, the summer term is treated as a trailer
to the current academic year, thus students accessing aid for the summer term would not affect
their eligibility for assistance for the next academic year. Students would receive full consideration
for financial aid resources for which they are eligible. However, funding for the summer term is limited to the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans.
Help for Parents and Guardians Parents and guardians

can call the U.S. Department of Education to get step-by-step
help with the FAFSA: (800) 4-FED-AID. or online help at: http://
www.fafsa.ed.gov.
FAFSA on the Web

Parents if you need more information, you can go to the FAFSA
on the web Worksheet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
The US Department of Education also provides additional interactive worksheets to help you and your parents/guardians complete the FAFSA.
sent to you in the mail, or if you provide a valid email address,

you will receive email directions for accessing your SAR on the
FAFSA website. Colleges you indicated on your FAFSA will receive an electronic copy of your SAR so that they can begin to
review your financial need and calculate your financial aid
award.
Q: How does the government determine your EFC?
A: The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula
to determine your EFC based on the information you provided in
your FAFSA. Your colleges then use your EFC to determine the
amount of aid they will offer you.
Q: When should you receive your SAR?

A: You should receive your SAR within four weeks, (or sooner if
Proofread Your FAFSA Before submitting your FAFSA, make you applied online) of submitting the FAFSA. You can check your
FAFSA status online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov using your persure to give it a final look-over. It pays to take time now to ensonal PIN number. (Even if you dont complete and submit your
sure complete and correct information. Your FAFSA will be reFAFSA online, you can register for a PIN number.) If you dont
turned to you unprocessed if it is incomplete or includes incorreceive a SAR or other notification within four weeks of subrect informationand this wastes precious time. It could take
weeks for the government to review your FAFSA, weeks to get it mitting the FAFSA, call the U.S. Department of Educations FAFSA help line at: (800) 4-FED-AID.
back to you, and then even more time for you to make corrections and resubmit it. Try your best to do it right the first time
Q: How can you get an early idea of what financial aid you may
and save yourself a lot of hassle!
qualify for at the colleges youre considering?
A: After you get your EFC from your FAFSA, use FAFSA4castor
FAFSA on the Web returns incorrect entries much faster than
the free financial aid calculator that gives you an early estimate
the regular paper version. We recommend that you complete
of your eligibility for federal student aid. This information helps
and submit your FAFSA online to get faster and more accurate
results. (FAFSA on the web highlights mistakes immediately and families plan ahead for college to get a look at possible state and
federal aid. Go to https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/f4cForm?
will not let you enter more data if previous data is incorrect or
execution=e2s1 to utilize FAFSA4castor.
incomplete.)
Finishing Your FAFSA
Q: What information does FAFSA4castor provide?
Submit the FAFSA by February 15! Even though the FAF- A: To help you determine the net cost of attending your chosen
SA may indicate later submission deadlines, financial aid professionals recommend that you submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 and no later than February 15. This submission deadline gets your financial information to your colleges
early enough to consider you for all available financial aid funds.
In other words, submitting your FAFSA by February 15 could get
you more money than you might get if you submit it at a later
time, if you qualify for financial aid.
What Now? . . . After You Submit Your

FAFSA
So, youve completed and submitted the FAFSA. Here are some
answers to some common questions.
Q: What exactly should you expect in return?
A: You will receive a personalized Student Aid Report (SAR)
that will indicate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the
amount of money the government determines that your family
should be able to pay toward your college education. The SAR
also indicates if you qualify for Federal Pell Grant. This will be
school. Heres what you can expect to see on the worksheet:

At the top of the page, you can enter the schools cost of
attendance (there is a link to College Navigator in case you
need to look up the cost).
Next, a number of sources of college funding are

listed. FAFSA4caster indicates your estimated Federal Pell
Grant amount (if any), Federal Work-Study amount (based on
the average nationally), and maximum Direct Subsidized
Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility.
There are fields where you can fill in the amounts of state
and college aid and private scholarships you expect (or hope)
to get.
Once you click on Calculate, FAFSA4caster summarizes the
cost, the total aid entered, and the difference (the net cost
of attending college). Your estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) also appears. You can compare schools by
changing cost of attendance, deleting state aid if you will be
an out-of-state student at a particular school, amending
the amount of aid available from the school, and so on.
your local child support
enforcement agency.
What is the EFC?

The EFC is the amount of money the federal government determines that your family should be capable of contributing toward your college education. It will be used to determine whether you qualify
for specific federal and state grant and loan programs. To calculate your EFC, the Department of Education takes data from your FAFSA and enters it into a formula established by Congress. The colleges
that you listed on your FAFSA will receive a copy of your SAR and use the EFC to determine your eligibility forand the amount of yourfederal and state grants, institutional funds, loans, or work-study awards. If you qualify for financial aid, colleges may send you a financial aid offer along with your acceptance letter, or shortly thereafter.
How is Financial Need Determined by Colleges?

Colleges will take the EFC determined by the federal government and calculate the amount of aid that they will offer to you, using
this formula:
Both the cost of attendance and the amount of aid each college has available will vary. As such, a college may not be able to offer
enough grant or scholarship dollars to cover all of your financial need.
Even though you may not have any personal income, colleges may indicate the need for younot just your parentsto contribute
money towards your education. You can contribute by earning money the summer before going to college, taking a job during the
school year, or your parents may wish to cover the amount of your contribution, if possible.
Colleges will look at the information provided on your SAR to make this determination:
Which EFC Formula Worksheet should be used?

There are three regular formulas and a simplified version of each they use to calculate a students EFC:
Formula A for dependent students,
Formula B for independent students without dependents other than a spouse, and
Formula C for independent students with dependents other than a spouse.
What is the definition of an independent student?

Because the EFC formula for a dependent student uses parental data and the two formulas for independent students do not, the
first step in calculating a students EFC is to determine his or her dependency status. For the 20162017 Award Year, a student is
automatically determined to be independent for federal student aid if he or she meets one or more of the following criteria:
The student was born before January 1, 1993.
The student is married or separated (but not divorced) as of the date of the application.
At the beginning of the 20162017 school year, the student will be enrolled in a masters or doctoral degree program (such as
MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.).
The student is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or is a National Guard or Reserves enlistee called into
federal active duty for purposes other than training.
The student is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (see the definition in the box on page 4).
The student has or will have one or more children who receive more than half of their support from him or her between July 1,
2016 and June 30, 2017.
The student has dependent(s) (other than children or spouse) who live with him or her and who receive more than half of
their support from the student, now and through June 30, 2017.
At any time since the student turned age 13, both of the students parents were deceased, or the student was in foster care or
was a dependent or ward of the court.
As determined by a court in the students state of legal residence, the student is now, or was upon reaching the age of majority, an emancipated minor (released from control by his or her parent or guardian).
As determined by a court in the students state of legal residence, the student is now, or was upon reaching the age of majority, in legal guardianship.
On or after July 1, 2015, the student was determined by a high school or school district homeless liaison to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or was self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.
On or after July 1, 2015, the student was determined by the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program
funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or was
self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.
At any time on or after July 1, 2015, the student was determined by a director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or
transitional living program to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or was self-supporting and at risk of being
homeless.
The student was determined by the college financial aid administrator to be an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or is
self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.
For students who do not meet any of the above criteria but who have documented unusual circumstances, an Financial Aid Advisor
can override their dependency status from dependent to independent. For information about dependency overrides, see the Application and Verification Guide, which is part of the Federal Student Aid Handbook and can be found on the IFAP Web site.
TERMS USED IN THE DEFINITION OF AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT

LEGAL DEPENDENT. Any children of the student who receive more than half of their support from the
student (children do not have to live with the student), including a biological or adopted child. Also, any
persons, other than a spouse, who live with the student and receive more than half of their support from
the student now and will continue to receive more than half of their support from the student through
June 30, 2017.
VETERAN. A student who: (1) has engaged in active service in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marines, or Coast Guard), or has been a member of the National Guard or Reserves who was called
to active duty for purposes other than training, or was a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, or attended a U.S. military academy preparatory school, and (2) was released under a condition other
than dishonorable. A veteran is also a student who does not meet this definition now but will by June 30,
2017.
Which students qualify for the simplified EFC formulas?

The following criteria determine which students have their EFCs calculated by a simplified formula. Assets are not considered in the
simplified EFC formulas.
For the 20162017 Award Year, a dependent student qualifies for the simplified EFC formula if both (1) below and (2) are true:
(1) Anyone included in the parents household size (as defined on the FAFSA) received benefits during 2014 or 2015 from any of
the designated means-tested federal benefit programs: the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) Program1 , and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);
OR
the students parents:
filed or were eligible to file a 2015 IRS Form 1040A or 1040EZ2 ,
filed a 2015 IRS Form 1040 but were not required to do so3 , or
were not required to file any income tax return;
OR
the students parent is a dislocated worker.
AND
(2) The combined 2015 income of the students parents is $49,999 or less.
For tax filers, use the parents adjusted gross income from the tax return to determine if income is $49,999 or less.
For non-tax filers, use the income shown on the 2015 W-2 forms of both parents (plus any other earnings from work not included on the W-2s) to determine if income is $49,999 or less.
1
The TANF Program may have a different name in the students or students parents state.
For qualifying for the simplified or automatic zero EFC calculations, the following 2015 income tax forms are considered equivalent to an IRS Form 1040A or
1040EZ: the income tax return required by the tax code of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau.
3
Applicants who are not required to complete an IRS Form 1040, but do so solely to claim an educational tax credit are considered eligible if they meet all the other
requirements for the simplified EFC formulas.
2
For the 20162017 Award Year, an independent student qualifies for the simplified EFC formula if both (1) and (2) below are
true:
(1) Anyone included in the students household size (as defined on the FAFSA) received benefits during 2014 or 2015 from any of
the designated means-tested federal benefit programs: the SSI Program, SNAP, the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program, the TANF Program4 , and WIC;
OR
the student and students spouse (if the student is married) both
filed or were eligible to file a 2015 IRS Form 1040A or 1040EZ5 ,
filed a 2015 IRS Form 1040 but were not required to do so6 , or
were not required to file any income tax return; OR the student (or the students spouse, if any) is a dislocated worker.
AND
(2) The students (and spouses) combined 2015 income is $49,999 or less.
For tax filers, use the students (and spouses) adjusted gross income from the tax return to determine if income is $49,999 or
less.
For non-tax filers, use the income shown on the students (and spouses) 2015 W-2 forms (plus any other earnings from work
not included on the W-2s) to determine if income is $49,999 or less.
Which students qualify for an automatic zero EFC calculation?

Certain students are automatically eligible for a zero EFC. The requirements for receiving an automatic zero EFC are the same as
those for the simplified EFC calculation except for these differences:
The income threshold for the parents of dependent students and for independent students and their spouses is $25,000 or less
(for an automatic zero EFC) instead of $49,999 or less (for the simplified EFC calculation), and
For independent students, those without dependents other than a spouse cannot receive an automatic zero EFC.
Note: The income threshold for an automatic zero EFC has increased to $25,000 for the 2016 2017 Award Year.
For the 20162017 Award Year, a dependent student automatically qualifies for a zero EFC if both (1) and (2) are true.
(1) Anyone included in the parents household size (as defined on the FAFSA) received benefits during 2014 or 2015 from any of
the designated means-tested federal benefit programs: the SSI Program, SNAP, the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program, the TANF Program , and WIC;
OR
the students parents:
filed or were eligible to file a 2015 IRS Form 1040A or 1040EZ ,
filed a 2015 IRS Form 1040 but were not required to do so, or
were not required to file any income tax return;
OR
the students parent is a dislocated worker.
AND
(2) The combined 2015 income of the students parents is $25,000 or less.
For tax filers, use the parents adjusted gross income from the tax return to determine if income is $25,000 or less.
For non-tax filers, use the income shown on the 2015 W-2 forms of both parents (plus any other earnings from work not included on the W-2s) to determine if income is $25,000 or less.
An independent student with dependents other than a spouse automatically qualifies for a zero EFC if both (1) below and (2) are
true:
(1) Anyone included in the students household size (as defined on the FAFSA) received benefits during 2014 or 2015 from any of
the designated means-tested federal benefit programs: the SSI Program, SNAP, the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program, the TANF Program, and WIC;
OR
the student and students spouse (if the student is married) both
filed or were eligible to file a 2015 IRS Form 1040A or 1040EZ,
filed a 2015 IRS Form 1040 but were not required to do so, or
were not required to file any income tax return; OR the student (or the students spouse, if any) is a dislocated worker.
AND
(2) The students (and spouses) combined 2015 income is $25,000 or less.
For tax filers, use the students (and spouses) adjusted gross income from the tax return to determine if income is $25,000 or
less.
For non-tax filers, use the income shown on the students (and spouses) 2015 W-2 forms (plus any other earnings from work
not included on the W-2s) to determine if income is $25,000 or less.
Note: An independent student without dependents other than a spouse is not eligible for an automatic zero EFC.
What is the Student Aid Report (SAR)?

The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a document mailed to you by the U.S. Department of Education approximately four weeks after you
submit the FAFSA. (If you submitted the FASFA electronically, you will receive an email with instructions for printing your SAR from
your online account at FAFSA on the Web). If four weeks have passed since submitting your FAFSA and you have not received your
SAR or word from the US Dept. of Ed, contact the US Dept. of Ed at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
In the top corner of your SAR, underneath the date, will be a dollar amount called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). In the
example above, the EFC is zero. (Note: If there is no EFC on your SAR, the Department of Education will instruct you to provide more
information.)
Review Your Student Aid Report Now!

Review your SAR carefully with a parent or guardian and your advisor to make sure that you reported accurate information and that
the Department of Education did not make mistakes in calculating your EFC. Again, if there is no EFC on your SAR, you will need to
provide more information to the Department of Education. But even if you do have an EFC, you will still want to review the SAR
carefully.
Make sure to review the entire SAR, ensuring that the following figures are accurately recorded:
Family income figures
Your (student) income figures
Student and family tax contribution
Number of immediate family members currently enrolled in college
Family and student savings and interest earned figures
Also be sure to look at the list of things you must do now. Notice that the sample below lists the sorts of things you should be on the
lookout for: your next steps, tax filing information, and where to get help.
The first page of your Student Aid Report will look like this:
Financial Aid Offers & Making Decisions

Reviewing Financial Aid Offers
What to Look for in Your Financial Aid Offer
One of the most important factors to consider when making

your final decision on which college to attend is the financial aid
offer. Whether we like it or not, money often plays a major role
in the decisions we make. When you receive an acceptance
letter from any college, you should also receive a financial aid
offer at the same time, or shortly thereafter. Review all of your
financial aid offers with your parents and your advisor.
Why Colleges May Differ in Determining Your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)
College costs vary widely. Some costs may be the same at public
or private institutions; others may be different. Standard formulas compute your contribution to college costs, but schools may
differ in the ways they can help you meet the cost of attendance. Feel free to ask the aid office questions about how they
determine your EFC.
What Is Your Bottom Line?
Double check that the college has only correct information.
If any data are incorrect, let the college financial aid office know
immediately.
Examine the amount the college determined your family
should contribute. How does this number compare with your

bottom line? How does it compare with your federally determined EFC? If there is a big difference between the federal and
the institutional EFC, contact the college to learn the reason.
If you qualify for federal loans and/or grants programs, do
you understand the loan types available to you? Some loans

have lower interest rates and some are subsidized, meaning
they accrue interest only after college graduation. To help understand the loan choices, talk with your financial aid office.
If you and/or your parents decide to use low-interest educa-
tion loans to help pay for college, you must apply for them. Be
sure to compare the cost of borrowing before you decide.
Before making decisions about college affordability, you and

Were you offered work-study dollars? If yes, do you feel it is
your parents or guardians should determine a bottom-line fireasonable for you to work enough to earn the full award?
nancial contribution. Decide what amount per school year is too
Could you earn more? Be sure to call the college financial aid
much for your family to contribute. You and/or your family
office with questions!
may be able to contribute the exact, less, or more than the EFC.
If youre not able to contribute enough money to cover the
whole EFC, you may rely on loans and scholarships to cover the
gaps. If certain colleges require you to pay more than your
bottom line, you may need to consider taking more loans or
enrolling elsewhere.
Financial Aid Comparison Worksheet

Use the chart below to help you compare colleges expectations for the amount of money you and
your family will contribute toward your education.
Directions
1. Before you begin: Double-check that your college has the correct information. If any data are incorrect, let the colleges financial
aid office know immediately.
2. Before making decisions about the affordability of a college, you and your family should agree on a bottom-line financial contribution. Decide on an amount per school year that is the most your family can contribute (this might be more than, less than, or
equal to the EFC on your SAR).
3. Record this amount, your bottom line, in the space below.
4. Use College Navigator and/or College Options Worksheet and record your Safe College, Realistic College and Reach College in the
spaces below along with the total college cost each.
5. Review your SAR and record your EFC#
6. Review your Financial Aid Awards for your Safe, Realistic and Reach Colleges and record the need amount, loan amount, grant
amount, scholarship and/or work study amount you were offered for each college.
Outcomes: If a college requires you to pay more than your bottom line and you really want to go there, you can consider taking
more loans, applying for additional scholarships, working while in school, or enrolling elsewhere. However, if the college aid offer is
equal to your demonstrated financial need, additional scholarships or loans may result in a decrease in the aid offer.
Family Contribution
Federal EFC (from SAR)
Your Familys Bottom Line
Total College
Cost
SAFE COLLEGE
FIT COLLEGE
REACH COLLEGE
Your EFC
Need
Loans
Grants
Scholarships
Work Study
Alabama Scholarships
Community Scholarships
REGION 4
The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

The Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarships to help individuals, families and businesses create a brighter future by encouraging education. In recent years, more than $408,000 in
scholarships were awarded to 100 students.
Association Scholarships
Gorgas Scholarship Competition
Gorgas Scholars compete for over $10,000 in scholarships. Check out the Gorgas Scholarship Competition website for more information and to view past finalists and winners.
Alabama Home Builders Foundation
Alabama Home Builders Foundation Scholarship awards more than $20,000 a year in scholarships to
students who are residents of Alabama and are pursuing an education in a residential building field in an
Alabama university or trade school.
Organization Scholarships
Transportation Student Scholarship Competitions
Click here for more information.
National Technical Honor Society
$150,000 in Scholarships Available
Iota Lambda Sigma - Epsilon
ILS Epsilon has scholarships available for students and teachers. For application forms or answers to
questions, visit the Epsilon website.
Megan Meier Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Megan Meier Foundation is looking for outstanding high school seniors who have shown a commitment to bettering their communities regarding all forms of bullying. The Megan Meier Memorial Scholarship Fund exists to recognize students who have succeeded both inside and outside of the classroom and who may not be able to attend college without financial assistance. It's a reward for the impact
they've had in their community and the difference they are making in the lives of others. The Megan
Meier Memorial Scholarship Fund will select five high school seniors to receive a $1,000 scholarship to
put toward their college education at the college or university of their choice.Download the application.
Deadline is November 16th.
Studentscholarships.org
View a list of scholarships that have deadlines approaching.
Alabama Junior Academy of Science Paper Reading Competition
For students in Grades 9-12, the Alabama Junior Academy of Science Paper Reading Competition
(Junior Science and Humanities Symposium) welcomes students from all High School grades. Their
website is www.alabamaacademyofscience.org/ajas. The AJAS-JSHS competition has numerous scholarship opportunities.
Ken Smith Scholarship Fund
The Smith Scholars Program will award eight scholarships each totaling $1000. You can learn more from
the JAG website.
Miscellaneous Scholarships
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
The foundation is offering a new program for high-achieving, low-income high school seniors. The new
program will provide up to $30,000 per year.
NerdScholar
No Ads. No Spam. Pure Scholarships. Find free money for college and search scholarships from over
10,000 financial aid programs.NerdScholar is committed to empowering students and parents to make
the best decisions about their higher education. From choosing the best school, to finding the best
ways to pay for college, NerdScholar serves any student looking to improve their financial literacy.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program
Up to $25,000 per year for 100 students and $2,000 per year for 1,000 students will be awarded. More
information is available here.
Google Scholarships
Google offers the Generation Google Scholarship, a renewable academic scholarship for up to four
years, and the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, an academic scholarship to encourage women
to pursue careers in computer science and technology. Visit the Google Scholarship page for details.
Google also holds the Doodle 4 Google contest. The National Winner of the Doodle 4 Google contest will
win a $15,000 college scholarship. Teachers and parents can register here.
Healthy Lifestyles Scholarship
This $5000 scholarship is open to students currently enrolled as high school students or first-year college students. More information is available here.
Service is Sovereignty
This book was researched and developed by the Alabama A&M University First Year Experience: ORI 102
class as part of their Spring 2016 Service Learning Project.
The objective of this workbook was to develop a College Readiness Campaign for a local high school. The
class decided to embark on this project from the perspective of College Freshman and their recent experiences at college. Ultimately, designing a book that provided in-depth information that would help a perspective
college student transition to college easier.
The Service Learning Activity: How do you choose a college? Is a workshop designed for Alabama A&M University college students to assist in New Student/Parent Orientations for high school Freshman. This project
provides an avenue for the campus to connect to the community and provide information about Alabama
A&M University early to parents and students.
Based on ACT's CCR Reports ORI 102 Graduating with CLASS: AAMU College Prep 102 goals are the following:
1. Increase opportunities to minority and middle to low

income students to earn a college degree.
2. Provide early access information about college and it's
benefits to minority and middle to low income students.
3. Promote student educational and career planning from
9th grade to graduation.
4. Reduce the need for remediation.
5. Increase participation of minority and middle to low
income students in high school college credit programs
and courses such as Dual Enrollment, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP).
6. Increase college enrollment, persistence and student
success, and graduation in four years.

College Readiness Campaign

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HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DATE

to Alabama A&M University,

vate colleges and

All of the material is for both parents and

action steps for

The Path to College

Getting accepted to college is the successful completion of a

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIGHER EDUCATION?

Preparing for College

College admissions reviewers look at a wide range of factors

College Entrance Exams

To be fully accepted into Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical

Essential High School Classes

Earn College Credit in High School

High School Class Plan

High school allows you to explore interests through optional courses

Sample Education Plans for the Classes of 2016 & 2017

Deserve Your Dream.

Part of preparing for college admission is building a strong set of

College Knowledge is the information you gather about specific

Huntsville Higher Educational Systems At A Glance

ACT composite score of 16

Talk with your parents about your

Check in with your students teachers

Complete your taxes and FAFSA.

President Obama extended $20 million in Pell

Review your four-year academic plan

Meet your students teachers

Participate in a college fair and

Set up a separate email account for

Talk to your student about his or her

Sign up to take the PSAT in October.

Discuss your students collegepreparation progress with teachers

Attend a college night or college fair.

Look for your PSAT results to arrive

Study your students PSAT scores so

Carefully plan the schedule for the

Take at least 1 practice exam before

Use online tools such as the FAFSA

Begin actively searching for scholarships and financial aid

Register 6-8 weeks ahead, to get best

Continue college visits while classes

Attend 1 or 2 summer learning programs.

If planning a summer vacation,

Use the Preferred Colleges Research

Early registration will ensure availability of the best locations

If you have not registered for ACT,

Review all the steps at left with

Meet with college friends returning

File your taxes as early as possible

Take note of scholarship applications

Files your taxes (if you worked) as early

Apply for any college application fee

Note: most priority financial aid

Look early for a summer job,

Review all the steps at left with

Compare aid award letters. Contact

Review all acceptance and aid letters.

Make preparations for the following

have been sent to the college you will