Community College Financial Aid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Community College Financial Aid - Essay Example Financial aid literally refers to "funding intended to help students pay tuition or other costs, such as room and board, for education at a college, university, or private school. General governmental funding for public education is not called financial aid, which refers to awards to specific individual students." (Wikipedia, 2006). The issue of financial aid - and community college financial aid in particular - is one which is subject to great interest and discussion. In order to come to a more understanding and intellectual viewpoint on this issue, the following questions must be answered: As all other financial aid opportunities, community college financial aid is used to assist those who are wishing to or who already are attending college classes, and who for whatever reason require assistance for the cost of their schooling. Financial aid in this forum is incredibly helpful, especially due to the fact that the results are inevitably positive; it allows those who are less fortunate have a chance to further their career, something which they may not have been able to do beforehand. Financial aid in this particular regards can be used in various ways; books, tuition, housing, or even often times all of the above - the amount of offered financial aid may vary, as well as the factors which it is to be used for. There are several different types of financial aid, which specifically may be classified into two types based on the literal criteria through which the financial aid is awarded. The two types focused on here are merit-based and need-based. The first - merit-based scholarships - are typically awarded for such things as outstanding academic achievements, and can also be awarded for things such as special talents, leadership potential, and other personal characteristics. There are four crucial things which must be known in regards to merit-based scholarships. First, you need to know which schools offer these scholarships. As well, you need to know when and how to apply for each scholarship, as deadlines are critical. Also, parents and students must keep merit scholarships in perspective. "Regardless of what you might hear, merit scholarships