Many people never apply for financial aid. Some assume they won’t qualify. Others don’t know where to start, so they put it off until it feels too late. Either way, they may miss out on money that could help pay for school.

This guide covers the basics in plain language. It explains the terms you’ll see, what the process looks like at Milwaukee Career College (MCC), and the common worries that stop people from applying.

How Financial Aid Works

Financial aid is money that helps you pay for school. It comes in three main forms:

• Money you don’t pay back
• Money you borrow
• Payment plans that spread out what’s left.

Most students use a mix. MCC takes part in several tuition assistance programs, and its Financial Aid Office helps each student put the pieces together.

Financial Aid Terms to Know

FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the form that opens the door to federal grants and loans. It’s free, and you fill it out online at studentaid.gov. You’ll need to complete a new one for each award year you’re in school.

Student Aid Index (SAI). This number comes from your FAFSA. Schools use it to help decide what aid you qualify for. Your SAI is not the amount you will pay.

Net price. This is the cost of school after grants and scholarships. You can get a quick estimate with MCC’s Net Price Calculator.

Aid offer. Once your aid is processed, you’ll receive an aid offer. It lists each type of aid, how much you can receive, and which parts must be repaid. Some schools still call it an award letter.

Grants. Grants are aid that usually doesn’t need to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant is the most common grant for students with financial need. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) helps students with very high need, but its funds are limited, so filing early helps.

Scholarships. Scholarships also don’t need to be repaid. Some are based on need, and others are based on things like grades, goals, or where you live. MCC’s career advisors can help you search and apply for scholarships.

Loans. Loans must be paid back, usually with interest. Payments on federal student loans typically start six months after you graduate or stop attending. With a subsidized loan, the government pays the interest while you’re in school. With an unsubsidized loan, interest builds from the start.

Payment plans. If there’s a balance left after aid, MCC offers monthly payment plans to help close the gap.

What the Process Looks Like at MCC

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Here’s what to expect:

1. Explore your options. Start by learning about MCC’s programs: Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, and Veterinary Technician. The Net Price Calculator can give you an early idea of cost.
2. Work with Admissions. After you complete your Enrollment Agreement with the Admissions team, MCC’s Financial Aid team will email you to start the financial aid process.
3. File the FAFSA. MCC’s step-by-step FAFSA guide walks through each section of the form.
4. Review your aid offer. The Financial Aid Office explains your options and answers questions. Borrow only what you need. To weigh the cost of training against your long-term plans, read about whether career college is worth it.
5. Cover any balance. If aid doesn’t cover everything, a monthly payment plan can help.

For more on the federal programs MCC takes part in, visit the Financial Aid page.

Common Worries That Stop Students From Applying

“Financial aid is only for four-year colleges.” It isn’t. Eligible career schools take part in federal aid programs too, and MCC participates in Pell Grants, SEOG, and federal student loans. If you’re comparing paths, see how career college compares to a traditional university.

“I’m too old to go back to school.” There is no age limit for federal financial aid. Many students start training after years in the workforce.

“I probably make too much money.” Income is only one part of the picture, so don’t rule yourself out. Some federal aid, such as unsubsidized loans, isn’t based on financial need at all.

“My grades weren’t good enough.” Federal financial aid isn’t based on your high school grades. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll need to keep making progress in your program to keep receiving aid.

“The forms are too complicated.” The FAFSA has become simpler in recent years, and MCC’s Financial Aid team helps students through each step.

Take the Next Step

The only way to know what aid you qualify for is to apply. You don’t need every answer before you reach out. Request more information to connect with MCC, or call 1-800-645-5157 to talk with someone today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to apply for financial aid?

No. Filling out the FAFSA is free.

Does filing the FAFSA mean I have to enroll?

No. Filing the FAFSA shows what aid you may qualify for, but it doesn’t commit you to any school.

Do I have to accept every loan I’m offered?

No. You can accept part of a loan or turn it down completely.

Can I get financial aid with bad credit?

Yes. Pell Grants and federal student loans for students do not require a credit check.

Do I need my parents’ information on the FAFSA?

It depends. The FAFSA asks questions to decide whether you’re a dependent student, and MCC’s FAFSA guide explains how to tell which applies to you.