Financial Aid Information (2025-2026)-click on the title to see the video
Van Wert County Financial Aid Night Informational Meeting
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Niswonger Performing Art Center-Lecture Hall
Tony Dickman, Coordinator of Financial Aid at Ohio State - Lima, will present on the financial aid process. Mr. Dickman will explain the step-by-step procedures for completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and will answer any questions regarding the entire Financial Aid application process.
Resources will be provided at the meeting. Click here for additional copies.
Ohio Board of Regents
For further information on state grants and scholarships go to https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/affordability/sgs . The College Access Line is also open 1-877-428-8246 for information on grants and scholarships.
ORDER OF LOOKING FOR MONEY FOR COLLEGE
1. Scholarships
2. Federal Grants (Non-Repayable) -- Pell Grants, SEOG
3. State Grants (Non-Repayable) -- Ohio Student Opportunity Grant, Ohio Choice Grant, Ohio Academic Scholarship, Ohio War Orphans, etc.
4. Loans (Must Repay) -- Most grants are applied for by filing FAFSA.
FAFSA Information
Go to https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/affordability/fafsa/fafsa for more information about FASFA.
Click here to go the the FAFSA application.
Starting October 1 you need to begin filling out the FAFSA information. You do not need to have your tax return done! You will give consent to pull the previous year's tax return information. Don't wait until the last minute to do your FAFSA.
It is also important to do the FAFSA pre-application worksheet. This allows you to get all the information you need, and when it comes time to apply - you are ready.
Forecast Your Future College Expenses
This link will help you estimate your financial need and what assistance you might be able to receive.
ACT's Financial Need Estimator -- You can receive an estimate of the amount your family will be expected to pay for college costs and your estimated eligibility for financial aid based on need.
Financial Aid Resources
US Bank Financial Aid Scholarship Search Engine
Federal Student Aid
Search for Financial Aid
Guide to Financial Aid