| Welcome to the November issue of the Center for Financial and Consumer Outreach's (CFCO) e-newsletter! The CFCO is an applied outreach unit of Penn State Erie, the Behrend College 's Sam & Irene Black School of Business . Our mission is to conduct outreach to educate the public, from kids to adults, on financial literacy topics. The Center's outreach programs focus on financial management and literacy, as well as college preparation and workforce development. |
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Applying for Financial Aid
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Though the cost of a college education may seem out of reach, many can and do afford it with help from the government. Depending on your household income level, you may qualify for a package of grants and loans to help cover the expenses of a college degree.
In order to receive financial aid for college, you have to apply each year. You can apply online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov, and the free application works for virtually all two- and four-year colleges, universities and career schools in the country.
Not everyone who applies receives aid. Grants and loan pac kages are awarded according to income level and the cost of the school you're applying to. But you can get a pretty good idea ahead of time how much you might be eligible for by using the federal government's eligibility calculator. This can also make it easier when it comes time to actually apply.
After You Apply
Soon after applying online, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). It will have all the information you submitted when you applied. Look it over carefully. If there are any mistakes, you'll be able to reopen your application and amend it.
You will also receive an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This will be in the upper right hand corner of your SAR. This is the amount the government believes your household should be able to pay for education. Your school will use this number to figure out how much aid you will receive. For instance, if your EFC is $5,000 and the school costs $10,000 per year, you would be eligible for $5,000 in aid.
Other Sources of Federal Student Aid
In addition to standard federal grants and loans, you might qualify for other forms of assistance. Some examples of students who could be eligible for more federal aid:
- Veterans and their dependents
- Some students in medical training
- Students interested in doing public service in exchange for aid
Other Sources of Aid
The federal government isn't the only place to find help. States and even  counties and cities often open grant and scholarship programs. Civic groups, such as local chambers of commerce, do as well. Check with the financial aid office at the school the student plans to attend. Also check the student's high school counselor's office for aid sources. |
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Behrend Named in 10 Satellite Campuses with Impressive Reputation
www.bestcolleges.org | |
In January, Penn State Erie, the Behrend College was given the No. 2 .jpg) ranking for 10 satellite schools with an impressive reputations all on their own. Penn State Behrend was sited for its graduation rate, campus and top-rated academic programs and resources that allow students to gain hands-on experience.
To learn more about Penn State Behrend and its diverse bachelor's, master's and associate's degree programs, as well as student activities and athletics, click here. |
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3rd Annual High School Symposium
May 15 & May 16 | |
The 3rd Annual High School Symposium on Financial Literacy and College Success is right around the corner. This year, the event will be held on both Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16 on the campus of Penn State Erie, and is open to any high school student. Last year, over 300 students had the opportunity to participate in this unique learning experience, and this year we look forward to guiding more students to financial literacy and success.
While the students participate in the Real Money Experience simulation game, educators and representatives from non-profit organizations will have their own opportunity to learn more about financial topics and issues from experts in our region.
Registration for this event is limited and will open on Monday, March 4, 2013. For more information on this event, click here. |
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Annual Activities Report
2011-2012 | |
The Center for Financial and Consumer Outreach's annual activity report is now available! For a detailed overview of the financial outreach and initiatives that the CFCO carried out throughout the 2011-2012 year, click here. |
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Program Information & Samples
http://cfco.psu.edu/programs.html | |
If you are interested in learning more about the CFCO's financial literacy outreach programs, simply visit the link above, or click here. In addition, there are samples of each presentation available on our site so that you can gain an understanding of what each program includes. Some programs also have a short informational video.
Once you get to the site, simply click on the program that you would like to learn more about to view samples and additional information for that program.
If you are interested in requesting one, or more, of the programs, click here to access the Program Request Form. |
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FREE Financial Webninar Available
Raising Money Smart Kids | |
Like many other subjects, children need instruction on basic financial skills - the building blocks that will help them make smart money choices in the future. Parents have the power to teach their kids sound, proven financial techniques that will help them grow into worry-free, successful adults. The CFCO's director, Erica Jackson, presented a financial webinar in partnership with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department to help parents tackle these issues. "Raising Money-Smart Kids" is now available on the Pennsylvania Treasury Department's website. |
Financial EduNation
An Online Resource Center for Everyone! | |
Financial EduNation is an online resource center offered by the CFCO in partnership with the National Financial Educators Council. This online tool is full of resources for students, parents, educators, and community leaders. Students can test their knowledge of financial literacy topics, while parents and educators can learn how to communicate more effectively with youth about financial literacy topics.
Qualified organizations receive complementary access to the comprehensive Financial EduNation resource center. This is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information about the Financial EduNation resource center, simply contact at our office at cfco@psu.edu. To visit Financial EduNation, click here. |
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Mark Your Calendars | |
Open House at Penn State Behrend (February 9)
Identity Theft Program Release (March)
Symposium Registration Opens (March)
National Financial Literacy Month (April)
Teach Kids to Save (April 23)
3rd Annual High School Symposium (May 15 & 16)
Money Matters Conference (May)
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Mindful Money
Monthly Financial Feature | |
This month the CFCO's Mindful Money column will focus  on the topic of "Practical Tips to Get Out of Debt." Cathy Faulcon Bowen, Ph.D.., CFCS, a Professor of Consumer Issues at The Pennsylvania State University Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, will provide her knowledge and expertise on this topic.
For more information about Cathy, or any of the Center for Financial and Consumer Outreach's financial experts, please visit the "Ask an Expert" page on our website, or click here.
To register for the CFCO's monthly Mindful Money column, click here. |
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"Like" Us on Facebook
Stay Connected | |
If you have not already "liked" the Center for Financial and Consumer Outreach, you may want to in order to stay up to date on what the CFCO is doing. New outreach initiatives, CFCO events, and the latest in financial news are all posted regularly on our Facebook page in an effort to keep consumers informed.
To "like," search "The Center for Financial and Consumer Outreach," or click here. |
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Contact Us
Erica Jackson, Director
ekj2@psu.edu
(814)-898-6784
Chris Holmes, Graduate Assistant
cmh5282@psu.edu
(814)-898-6553
Amanda Shields, Intern
ars5458@psu.edu
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CFCO Homepage | |
Our new website is equipped with everything that you need to set out on the road to becoming financially savvy!
On our new site, you will find links to current financial news, a background on our center, a list of our current programs complete with a program request form, and our contact information. | |
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Join the Conversation!
We all know a college education is a huge expense. This month, is Financial Aid Awareness Month, so we want to know:
Have you, or your child, completed your Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) yet?
Vote Here | | |
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Additional Resources
CFCO's Financial Calculators:
NEW! Tooth Fairy Calculator
Saving for a Goal
Back to School Budget
My Bonus After Taxes
Save A Million Dollars
Mortgage Payment
For more information and more financial calculators, visit the CFCO's website here. | | |
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