Financial Aid Process

When it comes to college, the advertised tuition and fees, or “sticker price,” is not what most students pay. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, will help cover the cost of your college education.

  • Scholarships: Financial aid awarded to students based on merit, skill, or affiliations.
  • Grants: Funds gifted to students based on financial need.
  • Student Loans: Money borrowed for education and paid back after school, with interest.

On-campus jobs and payment plans can also help make a college education affordable.

Keep reading for more information about the financial aid process at Corban and how to navigate it.

1.) Submit the FAFSA

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You will submit this form every year to help determine how much need-based financial aid, including scholarships and grants, you can be awarded. Submit your FAFSA so you can:

  • Get federal, state, and Corban grants.
  • Qualify for federal student loans.

The FAFSA opens in December for the following school year. File as soon as possible for the best financial aid opportunities!

CORBAN FAFSA CODE: 001339

Alternatively, undocumented Oregon residents can file the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) instead of a FAFSA to get similar benefits.

 

2.) Receive Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are free money awarded to students specifically to fund their education. There are many individuals and organizations that want to award financial gifts to students with financial needs based on a number of varying factors like their extracurriculars, majors, or even ethnicity.

Every new Corban student is automatically awarded an academic scholarship of $9,000 or more, based on GPA. We also offer scholarships for athletics, music, visiting campus, and more. Corban awards more than $15.4 million a year in scholarships and grants.

Click here to see all Corban scholarships and grants and application requirements.

In addition to Corban scholarships and grants, you can use many outside sources to find great scholarship opportunities.

Check Out These Resources:

  • OSAC: Complete one application at app.oregonstudentaid.gov to be considered for hundreds of scholarships for Oregon residents.
  • CollegeBoard.org: A robust search engine that filters scholarships based on ethnicity, location, religion, and various other criteria.
  • Fastweb.com: Large database that helps narrow down scholarships you qualify for.
  • Bold.org: Provides a great selection of large and small scholarships. Every bit counts!
  • Niche.com: Matches scholarships to you!

Remember: You should never have to pay to apply for scholarships or grants.

 

3.) Get an On-Campus Job

On-campus jobs can help you pay for school and build your experience in the job force. Campus jobs are open to anyone and are a great option for students to work around their class schedules. Check out student job opportunities at Corban.

 

4.) Qualify for Student Loans

Student Loans are money that you borrow to pay for school and then pay back after school, with interest. Your FAFSA is your application for federal student loans. Once you find out how much you qualify for, you will be able to log in to your financial aid account and accept however much in loans you need.

  • Subsidized Loans: These loans do not accrue any interest for as long as you are at least a half-time student.
  • Unsubsidized Loans: These loans accrue interest while you are in school.
  • Direct/Parent PLUS Loans: Loans taken out by parents/guardians on behalf of their students. These loans tend to have higher interest, but are an option for individuals that need additional aid.

You are not required to take out a loan just because you qualify, but they can help cover costs after scholarships and grants.

For information on current federal loan interest rates and fees, visit STUDENTAID.GOV

There are also many private student loan options that may be worth investigating if you need additional resources after scholarships, grants, and federal loans. ElmSelect.com is a great tool for finding private student loan options through banks, credit unions, or other sources.

 

5.) Set Up a Payment Plan

For any remaining costs not covered by scholarships, grants, or student loans (should you choose to borrow them), you can spread your balance out over each semester and make monthly payments toward your bill. Learn more about payment plans.

Note: there is a $55 fee per semester for this option.