Depends on where you are going:
view with quick table of estimated costs

Costs include tuition, housing, books, transportation and more:
view expected college costs (aid step 1)

TIP: print our tally sheet to keep tabs on cost and the available aid that you get: print student aid tally sheet

$135 Billion dollars were disbursed last year in financial aid for students. The largest percentage was federal loans.

(we will review each of these aid options under Aid Step 5)

These are just some of the sources of financial aid. Other aid for college includes:

• scholarships
• campus aid
• private student aid and loans
• EFC

EFC is the Expected Family Contribution for higher education. In other words, financial aid is awarded based on a formula that calculates the total cost of attending school and the expected family contribution to that cost.

we have more information about EFC

Before you start the financial aid process, you must qualify as either a dependant or independent student.

Review qualifications:
go to Financial Aid Note 1

First comes the FAFSA form, then the SAR, and then the Financial Aid letter from your school.

Link to our Financial Aid Step to view the process:
go to Financial Aid Steps

Almost all financial aid begins with your filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This form is required for all Federal Student Loans and many college aid programs, including some scholarships. You can file the FAFSA form starting in January for the upcoming Fall academic year.

What you will need to file:

• tax returns
• W-2 forms
• bank statements
• Social Security and VA Benefits, if any

visit Aid Step 2 for FAFSA Information and Links

Financial aid programs include grants, scholarships, loans, state programs, and other special aid.

We have complete information on types and sources:
start With Our Financial Aid List: Aid Step 5

You can view a summary chart of financial aid options:

financial aid chart: for undergraduates
financial aid chart: for graduates
financial aid chart: for parents
financial aid chart: for continuing students

Your school's financial aid office is the control center for student financial aid.

Talk with your college's financial aid office to see how they can help. Be prepared to ask questions such as:

1. What are the filing deadlines?
2. What forms are required?
3. What percentage of the college costs is covered by the financial aid award package?
4. Can the award package be negotiated?
   
   Connect to your schools web site for the aid office:
   use our college directory

Scholarship awards can go fast, so start early — usually in the Fall prior to the start of your college year.

Check your field of study, ethnic background, social and religious affiliations, parent's employment, family club memberships, and local businesses and clubs:

begin your scholarship search

TIP: print our tally sheet to keep tabs on what your find: print student aid tally sheet

Student loans are the most widely used form of financial aid. These loans are backed by the Federal Government to guarantee low-interest rate loans.

View complete information:
go to Federal Student Loans

view our Summary Loan Chart of available student loans

Graduates and professional students now qualify under the PLUS loan program to borrow up to the full cost of education. Deferment plans are available.

We have information about the GradPLUS loan:
view GradPLUS Loans

view our Summary Loan Chart of available PLUS loans

Most financial aid awards do not cover the full cost of education. Many students are turning to private education loans and other alternative financing to finance their education.

These loans are not subject to Federal Government review and processing. You can get your money in as little as 5 business days from receipt of your completed application.

See what Private Loans are available:
view Private Loans

view our Summary Loan Chart of available student loans

Parents of undergraduate students can assist with their child's education by applying for the Federal PLUS loans.

We have information about PLUS loans:
view PLUS Loans

view our Summary Loan Chart of available student loans

Parents or students with steady working income can use the BLOC to manage their money and fund education expenses. The program benefits those with positive discretionary income that helps to keep funding costs low.

View product demo: introduction page and slide demo

When its time to submit your application for Federal and Private Education financing, our lending partners can process your application quickly for Stafford, PLUS, and Private Education Loans.

Apply for Financial Aid: click here

Money will be tight during school. You want to control spending and avoid unnecessary debt. View our recommendation on how to manage student funds while attending college.

Money management tips: click here

Starting school brings on many new responsibilities like building a strong credit report and managing your credit payments. This will benefit you in the future for:

• buying a home
• finding a good career
• keeping lending costs down
• perhaps starting a business

We have complete credit and debt management tips including budgeting monthly expenses:
link to the ABCs of credit management

Though it might be too late for the upcoming student, it is not too late for the other children in your family — or even yourself if your plans have yourself returning to school.

There are some interest savings strategies that can benefit you.

For detailed information:
link to our College Savings Center