The financial aid office of the institution you plan to attend or are currently attending is often the best resource for information about paying tuition bills for higher education. By contacting the financial aid office you will be able to find out what federal, state, and private loans, grants, or scholarships you can apply for.
Federal Student Aid is an office of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) , and it plays a central and essential role in America's postsecondary education community. Federal Student Aid's Financial Aid Wizard can plan out your entire financial package online. In seven steps the wizard will calculate everything you need for the schools you are interested in. The Federal Student Aid Information Center can be reached by phone at 1.800.4FED.AID (1.800.433.3243).
The federal Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid application process. Changes in the FAFSA form were announced in June 2009. Starting in 2010, the form will be simplified and applicants will only be presented with questions relevant to them based upon previous answers. People using the online form will also be able to use information that the IRS already has. For more information, please visit the following websites:
- New FAFSA Fact Sheet - explains the simplifications of the new FAFSA form.
- Frequently Asked Questions - answers the most commonly asked questions about FAFSA.
- FAFSA4caster - teaches high school juniors about the financial aid process. When you are ready to apply for aid, you can easily transition from FAFSA4caster to FAFSA on the web.
There are many other sources of financial aid, some of which are listed below:
- Federal Pell Grants are a form of financial aid that helps students pursue an undergraduate degree and do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships provide free funds to individuals who, for example, demonstrate high academic achievement, outstanding athletic abilities or are musically talented and have the desire to further their education.
- A Federal Work-Study program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
- The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) is a public-private partnership created by Congress to deliver and administer guaranteed education loans for students and their parents.
- EducationUSA provides information on finding and applying to accredited colleges or universities in addition to finding financial aid.
- The Sallie Mae Corporation provides federal and private student loans, including consolidation loans, for undergraduate and graduate students and their parents.
- The American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) is a federal assistance program that seeks to strengthen innovation and education in the U.S. by improving mathematics, science and foreign language studies.
- Educational benefits for veterans includes general information about the GI bill and application procedures. It is available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) .
- State Grant Agencies and State Education Agencies can help you find financial assistance for college. Contact your state Department of Education to locate contact information for these agencies.
- Students.gov is the student gateway to the U.S. Government. It provides answers to questions on education, career, government and more.
- GovBenefits.gov is the official government benefits website, encompassing more than 400 federal and 600 state programs funded by various agencies. This site allows you to complete a confidential questionnaire and receive a list of programs that may apply to your situation.
- Disability.gov is the official portal to information and resources for people with disabilities.
To do the math for college costs, savings, and loans you can use the college financial calculators . The information you enter is secure and completely confidential.
For additional resources on general financial aid information, please visit: