“The best way to save yourself some money is to pass every class you enroll for,” she said. “It will take less time to get out of college and the less money it will cost you.”

Another priority when applying for financial aid is making sure to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid in January, February or March. If the FAFSA is filled out during this time, the student will receive the maximum financial aid if the student is eligible, Sprole said. If an eligible student filled out a FAFSA later in the year, like in June or August, a student will be granted financial aid only if there is any left over.

“Tarrant County College has 125-135 scholarships we give out every year through the TCC Foundation Scholarships,” she said.

Although several scholarships are available, only one application needs to be filled out, Sprole said.

When taking out a student loan, it is best to try and take out only the amount that is needed to actually live on, even if a student is eligible to take out a greater amount. This will help reduce the amount that needs to be paid back, Sprole said.

“If you only need $3,000, doesn’t $6,000 look better?” she said. “Sure it does, but you have to think about it: That $6,000 is all going to become payable one day, plus interest.”

Carolyn Mathis, a student who attends South, SE and Tarleton State attended the seminar wanting to learn where to find financial aid and to get information on writing an essay for scholarships.

“I plan on using the information I learned here within the next month and start doing research to help find myself some money,” she said.

Accounting major Ellen Harris attended the financial aid seminar to find scholarship information for herself.

“I got all the information I expected to get coming here,” she said. “It really made me realize I need to get my daughter, who is a senior at Southwest High School, on the right road when it comes to scholarships and financial aid.”