Financial Aid and the FAFSA

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) your first intimidates students everywhere. However, it is a requirement for your your application and a prequisite to receive any federal funding. Therefore, check out the video below for a step-by-step guide!

MLIS Financial Aid Resources

Please don’t be discouraged if money is an obstacle to paying for your degree, as funding is likely available!

• Fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year you attend school. Once more, federal funding sources (including grants and student loans) require a completed FAFSA. It only takes a few minutes and information can be imported from your previous year’s tax return. Find out more about the FAFSA and fill it out here. Moreover, you have nothing to lose by filling out a FAFSA and potentially everything to gain!
• Library-related scholarships are available! You can find more information on these scholarships (including ones offered by the American Library Association) here.
• Funding may be available from your employer! Some companies offer tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. Therefore, if you work as a public employee, your institution will also commonly waive additional fees. Many MLIS programs are now offered online during the evenings or asynchronously, allowing you to attend school while keeping that full-time job.