Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources

Concerned with the cost of attending college or any post-secondary education program?     Here are some links to websites with information about financial aid and scholarships.


For your ease - links to all of these websites are available in the column to the left.


1.  FAFSA

FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid.  Every student should file a FAFSA.  This one application is used by colleges, career colleges, and technical/trade schools to apply for all forms of financial aid.  The FAFSA provides family with than expected family contribution which is used by institutions to determine eligibility for aid.  Some scholarship programs will ask for your EFC to determine eligibility for scholarship monies as well.  The FAFSA is filed after January 1 of the student’s senior year.   WMHS encourages all students to complete the FAFSA.  

2.  CSS Profile

The CSS profile is used by almost 400 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs.  It is an application for nonfederal financial aid.  The website contains the application, list of participating schools/programs, and other helpful information.

3.  HESAA

HESAA is the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of New Jersey.  The website contains information and applications for the various loan, grant, and scholarship programs run by HESAA.  The website also contains resources for dealing with the costs of higher education.

4.  Federal Student Aid 

​​​This is the website from the Federal Student Aid office of the US Department of Education.  The website is packed with information organized into 5 areas:  preparing for college, types of aid, qualifying for aid, applying for aid, and managing my loans.  The website is available in English and Spanish.

5.  NJ EOF

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance and support services (e.g. counseling, tutoring, developmental course work) to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. Undergraduate grants range from $200 annually to $2,500 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility.  The website contains specific information about eligibility and participating institutions.

6.  NJ STARS

NJ STARS is a scholarship program exclusively for New Jersey residents that covers the cost of tuition at New Jersey's 19 community colleges.  Students who graduate in the top 15 percent of their high school class may be eligible.  The website contains more information about the specifics of the NJ Stars program and eligibility.

7.  NJ College Goal Sunday (FAFSA days)

College Goal Sunday is an annual event designed to assist low income and first generation students in completing the national application for college financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and providing information on available financial aid resources. Co-sponsored by NJASFAA and HESAA with a grant from the USA Funds, this program will take place in February.  When specifics to the dates and locations for the 2016 program are announced – they will be posted.  The website contains information about the program and how to register to participate.

8.  The US Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center

This is a service provided by the US Dept. of Education to help parents/students better understand college costs and be able to make comparisons to help make financially sound decisions.  The website contains resources including college net price calculators,  college scorecards, the college affordability and transparency list, state spending charts, and information about 90/10 institutions (commonly known as proprietary or “for profit” schools)


9.  College Scorecard - How Much Will It Cost Me to Attend College X?

College Scorecards make it easier for you to search for a college that is a good financial fit for you. The College Scorecard will provide information about a college’s affordability and value so you can make more informed decisions about which college to attend.  The Scorecard is specific to the colleges you enter.

10. HESAA Student Loan Guide

The HESAA Student Loan Guide provides general information to assist students & their families in planning and paying for post-secondary education through the use of student loans.  The guide contains information that covers federal loan programs, New Jersey's state loan program - NJ CLASS, and information on alternative private loan options.  

11.  Internet Scholarship Search Links

Links to internet scholarship search programs like Fastweb & Finaid.