Financial Aid & Scholarship Information

Every college is required to have a “net price calculator” on their website that will provide students an
estimate of the cost to attend, using information entered by the student.

Students can access financial aid through four sources: Federal, State, College/University, and outside
private scholarships. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form that all colleges
and universities require. It is available starting October 1st. An additional application that many private
colleges and universities require, the CSS Profile, asks for in-depth information for the purpose of
awarding students their privately managed money. Check the college’s financial aid website to see if
the CSS Profile is required. Some colleges and universities have their own application process for funds.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile are the two primary applications that students and parents complete for the
purpose of applying for loans or grants.  

There is a range of possibilities open to students to supplement the rising cost of higher education. The
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) encourages students and parents to stay on top
of application deadlines.  BHS recommends students and families create a system to organize both
college and scholarship applications. If you need further information or wish to discuss your particular
concern, we encourage you to make an appointment with your school counselor to go through these
options or answer your particular questions.

Online Scholarship Resources
There are many websites that provide extensive free information and search engines for both need-based
and merit scholarships. Some of the most widely used are FastWebFinAidNiche, Going Merry and Cappex.

Masschusetts Scholarships
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship provides a tuition waiver for up to eight semesters of
undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university. The scholarship covers tuition
only; fees and room and board are not included. 

The Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery with Distinction provides a credit toward tuition at
Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

Koplik Certificate vs. Adams Scholarship

For an updated scholarship list including local scholarships please log into Naviance or visit the
Guidance & Counseling Department, there is a white binder that is updated with scholarships as they
start coming in usually in early January. 

Additional Resources
Tuition Break Program of New England

Steps for Smart Financial College Planning

FAFSA Checklist 

Regional Seminar conducted by MEFA  

Paying for College

*The Boston Public Library offers free assistance in filling out the financial aid forms.
Call 617-536-0200 for details.

Cash for College, McKee, Cynthia & Phillip
A guide to college scholarships with over 4,000 listings. A step-by-step process of researching and applying for money and the "At-A-Glance Scholarship Index".

Don't Miss Out, Leider, Anna & Robert (Octameron) 
The Ambitious Student's Guide to Financial Aid. How financial aid really works and how to get your fair share. Advice on the best short term/long term planning strategies and what the Financial Aid office expects from you.

Paying For College, Chany, Kalman, A. & Martz, Geoff 
A complete guide on everything the college financial aid officers won't tell you and everything you never thought to ask.