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What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money from federal and state governments that helps pay for a student’s educational expenses. Awards might be based on grades, financial needs, talents, or circumstances. They can come from several sources, including federal and state governments and institutional aid.
Aid types include grants, scholarships, Minnesota State Programs, work-study, and loans. Aid is divided into two categories: gift aid and self-help aid.
Gift aid: Can be need-based or merit-based aid given to a student, without the obligation of repayment; most grants and scholarships fall into this category.
Self-help aid: Includes work-study (an award that must be earned through student employment) or loans that must be paid back.
Students must complete the FAFSA to receive Federal and State grants, Federal Work-Study, and Federal loans.
About Us
At Central Lakes College, our Financial Aid Department is committed to helping you achieve your educational goals. We understand that financing your education can seem daunting. Our mission is to ensure a positive college experience for every student.
CLC offers a comprehensive financial aid program, drawing from federal, state, institutional, and private resources, to help cover the cost of your education. We strongly encourage all prospective and current students to apply for financial aid.
Let the Central Lakes College Financial Aid Team guide you through the process.
Call us: 1-218-855-8000 (Brainerd campus) or 218-894-5100 (Staples campus)
Walk-ins welcome on both Brainerd and Staples campus Monday-Friday 8:00-4:00