A college education may be more affordable than you think. The Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open for the 2023-2024 school year—but the time to act is now to ensure you get the most aid.
Why should you complete the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is your gateway to applying for federal aid which opens up opportunities for institutional financial aid and can open the doors to consideration for scholarships and other aid. Here are the top reasons why you should complete the FAFSA today:
Filing your FAFSA sooner can mean more money for college, including access to state grant programs awarded on a first come, first served basis.
The federal government provides students with more than $120 billion each year in grants, loans and work-study to assist them in paying for college or a career institution. This provides the opportunity to afford the college education and career you’ve been dreaming about.
Applying is required for scholarship consideration, even if you believe you won’t qualify for federal aid.
The application is simple to fill out and gives you tips along the way to understand the questions. Plus, it’s free!
Important deadlines for completing the FAFSA application
Enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year began on October 1, 2022. Students who plan on attending a four-year college, university, community college or career school are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible in order to improve their chances of qualifying for the most aid.
Students seeking financial aid who are currently enrolled in the 2022-2023 school year have until June 30, 2023, to complete their FAFSA applications.
What you will need to start the application process
Preparation is key before you begin the application process. For purposes of applying for federal student aid, the FAFSA lists questions about you and your finances to determine whether you are a dependent or independent student. If you are applying as a dependent, your parents’ information as well as yours will be required. If you are an independent, only your information is required. You can learn more about how to determine your dependency status here.
Here is a list of necessary items you will need to collect before you begin the application:
Your social security number (or alien registration number if you are not a US citizen)
Your parents’ social security numbers if you are filing as a dependent student
Your driver’s license number if you have one
All 2021 federal tax information, tax documents or tax returns, including IRS W-2 information for you (and your spouse, if you are married) and for your parents if you are a dependent student:
IRS Form 1040
Foreign tax return or IRS Form 1040-NR
Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia or Palau
Records of untaxed income (such as child support, interest income and veterans noneducation benefits for you and for your parents if you are a dependent student)
Cash, savings, checking account balances
Investments other than the home in which you live
Helpful tip:
It’s alright if you don’t have all the information at hand. The FAFSA application allows you to save your information along the way. Missing information may be entered once you have it. Just don’t wait too long. Some states and institutions have limited funds and set their own priority deadlines. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you’ll know if you qualify for aid.
Important information:
You or your parents are strongly encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) which automatically—and accurately—transfers tax information into the FAFSA form. Just be sure you enter the requested information exactly as it appears on your tax return.
Creating your FAFSA ID account
It is highly recommended that you create an account prior to filling out the application. You will be asked to create an FSA ID—which is comprised of a username and password combination that will give you access to important online information and allow you to electronically sign your FAFSA and any promissory notes. Here’s more information on how to create an FSA ID (or if you forgot your username).
Helpful tip:
The system is sensitive to the way you enter your name and social security information. To avoid running into issues during the verification process, be sure to enter your information exactly as it appears on your social security card.
Important information:
Parents of dependent students are required to create their own FSA ID so that they can electronically sign the application. For parents who do not have a social security number (SSN)—which is required to create an FSA ID—the student will select the option to print the signature page when he or she reaches the end of the application.
If you don’t have access to a computer, here are other submission options:
Mail-in application: Request a printed PDF by calling 1-800-433-3243.
Electronic submission by your college or career school: Request if the FAFSA can be submitted for you.
Interested in attending Vaughn College? We can help you complete your FAFSA application
Contact a Vaughn representative to help you with your application:
Email and one of our financial aid representatives will set up a time to contact you.
Phone: 718.429.6600, Ext. 100; someone will get back to you within 24 hours.
In-person office hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Financial Aid Zoom Room (Meeting ID:678 686 441)
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How Vaughn helps students graduate with careers
Vaughn offers federal, state and institutional funds to help students pay for their education. In fact, 90 percent of our students are eligible for some type of financial aid, with the average package totaling more than $15,000 per year. We are dedicated to working with all qualifying students to help them get the assistance they need to not only pursue their education, but graduate with their desired career.
Here are other ways to get help with your FAFSA application
Contact the guidance department at your high school – their job is to help you complete your college applications.
Many communities offer free services and resources to assist you with completing your FAFSA – contact your local chamber of commerce or governing body for details.
Contact the financial aid office of the college you plan on attending.
Use the “tool tip” on the online FAFSA application, which will give you information on how to answer any questions. Simply select the white question mark next to each question you’re unsure of.
Visit the FAFSA Help page on the online application.
Don’t let the cost of a college education get in the way of pursuing your dream career. Vaughn offers degree programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation. Discover the possibilities of where a futureproof degree from Vaughn can take you.
The management department at Vaughn College welcomed Terry Kilby to its Industry Insights Speaker Series, sponsored by ATL Partners. Hosted by Dr. Maxine Lubner and Adjunct Professor Loretta Alkalay, the live presentation by Kilby—who is a renowned aerial photographer and 3D specialist—focused on drones and the use of 3D scanning for historical preservation and Web3. The event showed Vaughn students new and exciting ways where they can apply their degrees in engineering and technology. Additionally, focus was given to the future direction of the industry as it pertains to the metaverse, Web3, NFT and the blockchain.
About Terry Kilby
For over a decade, 3D capture artist Terry Kilby has been recognized as a leading international expert—both as an aerial photographer and pioneer in the specialties of photogrammetry (3D scanning), panoramic photography (VR photography) and time lapse. Through the use of drones and the application of photogrammetry, Kilby has mastered the higher-level technique of capturing contemporary history and artfully creating photorealistic 3D models for historic preservation, film sets, archaeological sites—and beyond. His groundbreaking work in the documentation of historical sites and monuments is a mind-blowing experience that brings the past to life. Before Kilby found his passion for drones and aerial photography, he worked as mobile software developer and technology lead with a Fortune 50 company.
Aircraft design
Growing up as an avid radio control (RC) hobbyist, Kilby explained how he saw the beginning of the civilian drone industry as a continuation of the RC hobby world. Over the years, he navigated through the drone industry where he witnessed and experienced groundbreaking technology which set the stage for the fascinating work he is known for today.
STEM education
Sharing his love and knowledge for drones and 3D technology led Kilby to become an educator in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). His involvement with foundations and children’s camps was instrumental in spreading the word about drones to the younger generation. Part of his passion with the children was teaching them how to build their first quad copters through the application of 3D printing.
Advanced drone techniques
Blending his creative talents with his experience in software and web development, Kilby developed advanced drone techniques that continue to make a mark in the corporate and historical preservation arenas. Here are some of them:
360o Panoramas: By capturing several 360o panoramic photos and architectural models, Kilby is able to create a working model for a project.
Photogrammetry: Through the recording, measuring and interpreting of the images he captures with drones, Kilby is able to obtain reliable information about the object—or environment—to use for his projects.
3D scanning
The highlight of Kilby’s presentation centered on the amazing capabilities of 3D scanning technology. Here are the types of scanning he uses in his work:
Structured Light
Described as an extremely accurate method of 3D scanning, Kilby shared how this technique assisted in extracting a fingerprint from a 3,000-year-old artifact.
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and Photogrammetry
LIDAR is a method of 3D scanning that measures distance through the use of beams of light. For years, it has been used in aviation, being placed under small aircrafts such as Cessnas and terrestrial LIDAR.
Notable projects using 3D scanning
By using photogrammetry, Kilby showcased some of his unique techniques in working with historic structures, one of which was the Berlin Wall. Here are some other fascinating projects that Kilby featured via the use of photogrammetry:
Plantation House
Kilby used a Phantom 4 Pro Drone to capture images that were eventually used to create a 3D animated rendering of a plantation house that had been built in the 1600s. His work was used to help in the restoration project of this historical building.
Mayfield Theatre
Kilby was tasked to create a captivating visual of the Mayfield Theatre in Baltimore—the first African American-owned theatre in the U.S.—which fell into disrepair after undergoing a fire. Through his amazing talents, Kilby created a visual that told the story of the theater, and which ultimately gained the attention of an interested developer who restored the building’s facade.
Slave House
Over the course of three years, a team of archaeologists, historians, engineers and artists used Kilby’s 3D scans of a dig site in Annapolis, Maryland to uncover unique features of slave’s quarters from years ago. They then used that information to recreate an accurate depiction of the building’s interior and exterior.
Who uses 3D scanning?
Kilby addressed the three main areas he works in when it comes to drones and 3D scanning. These are:
Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC)
Museums
Archaeologists/Historic Preservationist
Unique ways to present projects
Just when attendees of the Industry Insights Speaker Series thought they’d seen the coolest applications that used drones and 3D scanning technology, Kilby went on to describe the different forms of asset presentation. Here is the variety of platforms he uses for asset presentation:
Sketchfab/Web: Considered by Kilby to be the “YouTube of the 3D,” Sketchfab is leading the way to becoming the go to 3D platform for the web.
Virtual Reality (VR) and the Metaverse: Kilby built a virtual reality museum in the Metaverse, where those in the “world” can view his exhibit and communicate with each other.
Augmented Reality (AR): Unlike VR—where one is “sunk” into the experience without any situational awareness of what’s going on around him or her—augmented reality merges assets into the real world around the viewer.
In Real Life (IRL) Museums: This fascinating form of asset presentation allows 3D exhibits to be “transported” and shared at museums worldwide.
Technology that is influencing the future
Kilby concluded by discussing how his work will fit into the future of the internet – including the blockchain, NFTs and the metaverse.
Blockchain
This decentralized ledger allows multiple individuals to store records or information on a “block” in the chain that’s secured by cryptography—which is the storing and transmitting of data in encrypted formats.
Kilby’s thoughts on the cultural impact of blockchain technology are that it:
Democratizes the recording of history
Is a fundamental shift in how history is recorded and will be understood moving forward
NFTs
Non-fungible tokens—or NFTs—are digital assets that are bought and sold online. In 2021, the NFT market was valued at $41 billion dollars.
Vaughn’s certificate and degree programs
The excitement surrounding Kilby’s work with the use of drones and 3D scanning technology is fueling interest in these futuristic career-driven fields. As a leading institution in engineering and technology, aviation and management, Vaughn College is setting the pace by providing its students with the necessary skills to land jobs in these fascinating industries. Which programs interest you? Check each of them out:
Are you ready to pursue your futureproof career? Discover the possibilities of an amazing career with one of our programs. Apply today!
Cybercrime is a lucrative business that is predicted to cost companies—globally—an estimated $10.5 trillion by 2025. With a single cyberattack occurring every 11 seconds, organizations aren’t wasting time in hiring cybersecurity professionals to safeguard their data and computer networks. In fact, experts predict that companies could spend as much as $1.75 trillion for information security. So, who exactly are these professionals that companies are hiring to protect their data?
This month, Vaughn College explores the demand for cybersecurity professionals and the various jobs in this field. Read on to learn how a degree in computer engineering from Vaughn could be your pathway to cashing in on this futureproof career.
Demand for cybersecurity professionals
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts are among the fastest growing occupations in the country—with a projected growth rate of 35 percent over the next nine years. In the U.S. alone, it was reported there are more than 700,000 job openings in the cybersecurity-related field, with approximately 1.8 million positions worldwide that will go unfilled this year. With demand at an all-time high—and no end of sight for the need to protect company data—the future is bright for a career in cybersecurity.
Companies with the greatest need
Every industry—including banking, utility companies, government organizations and healthcare—has come to depend on the world’s cyber infrastructure in order to operate. Last year, the heads of industry giants Google, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon were among the leaders who met with President Biden at the White House to discuss how the nation’s cybersecurity might be improved through a collaboration with the government and private sector. It’s important to note that cybercrime doesn’t discriminate against big corporations. Were you aware that approximately 43 percent of cyberattacks are directed at small businesses? On any given day, owners of these businesses have their hands full in juggling several responsibilities, thus leaving their interests vulnerable to be exploited by cybercriminals. In fact, only about 14 percent of these small businesses are prepared to defend their data.
Cybersecurity careers to meet the demand
As you can imagine, there are several different cybersecurity careers—each with its own set of critical roles—to protect companies from cybercriminals. Here are some career paths to consider:
Cybersecurity engineer
These professionals are responsible for protecting a company’s network and data from unauthorized access—or cyberattack—by designing cybersecurity platforms and building emergency plans in the event of a disaster.
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer:
Develop and enforce security plans, standards and protocols
Collaborate with other teams to maintain overall security
Create and install firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Update security software, hardware and facilities
Running encryption programs
Moving data and information after a detected security issue
Required skills:
Strong communication skills
Ability to explain complex issues to management and offer solutions for current security plans and procedures
Ability and willingness to work with law enforcement following a cyberattack
Risk assessment
Computer forensics
Secure coding practices
Education and certifications:
A bachelor’s degree—or higher—in computer engineering, cybersecurity, infosec or a related field is required to work as a cybersecurity engineer.
Cybersecurity analyst
Anyone in this role analyzes reports to identify and examine cyber threats that include viruses, worms, bots and Trojans. Cybersecurity analysts develop malware protection tools to ensure that practices are properly implemented and followed. The scope of their responsibilities is expansive.
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst:
Monitor security best practices, protocols and procedures to detect, contain and remediate threats
Control file access and credentialing, network updates and firewall maintenance
Perform penetration testing and vulnerability scans
Recommend relevant changes to improve security
May be enlisted to train employees on cybersecurity hygiene, due to their expertise in security risks and best practices
Required skills:
Solid understanding of how data is stored and managed
Solid understanding of various kinds of cybersecurity threats
Proprietary testing
Risk assessment
Data encryption
Firewall design, configuration, deployment and maintenance
Security incident triaging
Education and certifications:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, infosec or a related field is required to work as a cybersecurity analyst.
Network security architect
Similar to an architect who designs plans for buildings and structures, a network security architect plays a critical role in the design of security structures that are used to prevent malware attacks. In addition to performing vulnerability tests, a network security architect maintains network productivity, efficiency, availability and performance to ensure ongoing security of the company.
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a network security architect:
Helps translate business needs into functional systems
Defines appropriate policies and procedures for the systems
Monitors budgetary and operational constraints
Undertakes defensive measures such as firewall and antivirus configuration, as well as offensive measures like penetration testing
Oversees network changes
Stays aware of computer systems’ networking requirements such as routing, switching and trust domains
Has knowledge of security best practices, technologies and industry-standard frameworks.
Required skills:
Excellent people, managerial and presentation skills
Strong IT experience
Risk management experience
Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and networking security
ITIL and COBIT IT process models
Intrusion detection systems
Knowledge of VPN layers and connections
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI): 7-layer model
Education and certifications:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is required, although a master’s degree in cybersecurity is preferred.
How Vaughn can get you there
As you’ve read in this blog, the ever-growing field of cybersecurity and computer engineering demands well-trained individuals for a broad range of industries. Vaughn’s degree program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills that are necessary, and where they each can play an important role in the technologies that define modern day life and society.
The computer engineering curriculum emphasizes two well-defined concentrations: cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). These two concentrations work hand in hand to secure network systems. Although it’s believed that AI will never take the place of cybersecurity jobs, this concentration and machine learning are viable players in the growth of the industry.
Are you interested in an in-demand, high-paying job in cybersecurity? Vaughn’s computer engineering degree program could be your pathway to an exciting futureproof career. Apply today!
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Described as an extremely accurate method of 3D scanning, Kilby shared how this technique assisted in extracting a fingerprint from a 3,000-year-old artifact.
LIDAR is a method of 3D scanning that measures distance through the use of beams of light. For years, it has been used in aviation, being placed under small aircrafts such as Cessnas and terrestrial LIDAR.