There is money out there to help pay for college. The trick is finding it.

        School guidance counselors and college advisers are out in force this month to show parents and high school students how to cover the increasing costs of college. And to spread the word that it's not too early to start looking.

FINANCIAL AID TIPS

• Work with high school guidance counselors.   • Call college admissions/financial aid offices; learn their deadlines and ask questions.   • Apply for aid in January or by early February because every school has limited funding sources.   • Remember that every new student applicant is at least eligible for loans.   • Stay away from organizations guaranteeing financial aid packages in exchange for a fee. Parents and students should not pay for financial aid.   • Remember that financial aid may not cover all the costs of tuition, room and board and expenses.   Sources: University of Cincinnati Financial Aid office and American School Counselor Association

WEB SITES

• For scholarship searches: www.fastweb.com   • For general financial aid information: www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students or www.finaid.org   • To fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online: www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1(800)-4-FED-AID

        They're holding college help nights, staffing college information centers at high schools, urging students and parents to call them with questions, and telling them to get on the Internet.

        “We're an institution looking to give away money,” said Randy Ulses, associate director of student financial aid at the University of Cincinnati.

        More than 92 percent of students who apply for financial aid at UC receive some sort of offer, said Mr. Ulses, who held a financial aid seminar at Finneytown High School Monday.

        Of the nearly 26,000 undergraduates enrolled at UC this year, just under 15,000 receive federal, state or institutional aid totaling about $110 million.

        Experts say families should start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

        The form, which can be filled out online, requires family income information. The federal government distributes the information to colleges and universities a student chooses so those institutions can create a financial package offer — possibly combining loans, grants, scholarships and work study — for eligible students.

        But even if you have to estimate your income, don't wait until April 15 to send Uncle Sam the completed FAFSA, counselors say.

        “If you can get it done by early February, you're doing well,” said Mark Kuranz, president of the American School Counselor Association.

        The federal Student Financial Assistance Programs are the nation's largest source of student aid. They provide more than $40 billion a year in grants, loans and work-study assistance. Colleges and universities offer their own aid, too.

        The first step is to ask for it.

        FAFSA is “a real user-friendly form,” said Mason High School guidance counselor Gary Popplewell.

        The application is color-coded with separate sections for students and parents to fill out. The form has tips to help answer certain questions.

        And school officials are ready to help.

        Walnut Hills High School has its own college information center - paid for by parents — and schools began financial aid nights before Christmas. Many are continuing.Students should check their schools for times and dates.

        Also, the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative runs a free College Information Center at the Mayerson Academy for Tristate students and non-students.

        Mason High School senior Trisha Moore plans to attend Morehead State University in Kentucky to major in elementary education.

        She'll attend Mason's financial aid night Wednesday to gather tips.

        “I want to make it as cheap for my parents as possible,” she said.

        Cindy Godby of Deerfield Township said she learned from a meeting at Kings High School that her family should send in the federal aid application even if she doesn't think they're eligible for federal aid. It may pave the way for grants, scholarships or loans, she said.

        Her daughter Anna is tops in her class at Kings. She's been scouring the Internet for scholarships.

        “My parents said they're going to finance my education,” Anna said. “Since they are willing to pay for it, it's my responsibility to get the costs they're going to pay as low as possible.”

        Cincinnati Youth Collaborative College Information Center: 475-4901.

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