New and improved for 2024, NACAC’s Financial Aid 101 on-demand course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the financial aid process.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish between the four main types of financial aid available: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study
  • Teach students and families how to research, identify, and apply for scholarships
  • Guide students and families through completing the financial aid application process, including completing both the FAFSA application and the CSS Profile
  • Support students and families whose special circumstances could impact their ability to receive financial aid
  • Calculate and compare various financial aid offers and instruct students and families on how to do the same

With this course under your belt, you will be ready to provide students and families with the support they need as they determine how they will pay for their post-secondary education.

What does this course offer?

  • Comprehensive, online learning. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the financial aid process in a convenient, self-paced, online format.
  • Short, on-demand modules. Participants will log into the learning management system to complete the short, topic-based modules on their own schedule and at their own pace. Each participant will have six months to complete the course.
  • Completion certificate. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a completion certificate from NACAC.
  • 3 CE credits. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be eligible to receive 3 hours of continuing education credits.

What topics will be covered?

Topics that will be covered in this course include:

  • Unit 1 – An Introduction to Financial Aid
  • Unit 2 – Types of Financial Aid
  • Unit 3 – Applying for Financial Aid
  • Unit 4 – Special Circumstances that Can Impact Financial Aid
  • Unit 5 – How to Find and Compete for Scholarships
  • Unit 6 – Calculating Costs & Comparing Offers

Who should take this course?

  • Entry-level counseling and admission professionals
  • Experienced counseling and admission professionals looking for a refresher on the financial aid process
  • Parents/guardians

What is the cost?

The cost per person to register for this course is:

  • $55 for NACAC members
  • $100 for nonmembers

Save 20% per person when registering as a group of four or more! If your office would qualify for this discount, contact customer service for a promo code prior to registration.

PLEASE NOTE: As of August 1, 2023, all requests to switch cohorts, extend course access (by 1 month), or change course registrations will be subject to a $50 processing fee per person/per course. No refunds will be processed. 

For questions about this course, please email pd@nacacnet.org. For purchasing and billing questions, please email customerservice@nacacnet.org. 

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5242. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NACAC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.