Knowing how you’re going to pay for college is one of the most powerful ways you can set yourself up for success – in college and beyond.
FAFSA: Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid to get access to federal grants, loans and work-study funds available for college
Scholarships: Visit Tuition Funding Sources for access to over 7 million scholarships worth over $41 billion.
Use the Net Price Calculator (NPC) at each college’s website to estimate your total college costs at that school based on your personal situation. Then, compare the costs, options, and opportunities at different schools.
Additional financial options:
- Tuition payment plans. These plans may be available by colleges to help you pay tuition in interest-free monthly installments instead of one lump sum at the start of the semester.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans. These student loans, offered by the federal government, are available to graduate or professional degree students and parents of dependent undergraduate students who do not have an adverse credit history.
- Private or alternative student loans. These credit-based student loans may be available for undergraduates, graduates, professional degrees, or qualified certificate or licensure programs. There may also be financing options available for anyone (such as a parent or relative) who may be interested in borrowing to help you pay for college. These loans are provided by banks or other lenders.