Paying for College
Financial Aid
Understand the types of aid available and how to fund your education without overpaying.
Four steps to funding your degree
Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway to federal grants, work-study and loans. It's free and opens each October for the following year.
Compare aid offers
Every school packages aid differently. Use net price — cost after grants and scholarships — to compare offers apples-to-apples on each school profile.
Apply for scholarships
Institutional, private and state scholarships can dramatically cut your cost. Many are merit- or interest-based and don't need to be repaid.
Understand your loans
Federal loans generally offer better terms than private ones. Borrow only what you need and check the median student debt on each school profile.
Types of financial aid
Grants
Need-based aid you don't repay, from federal, state and institutional sources.
Scholarships
Merit- or interest-based awards from schools and private organizations.
Work-Study
Part-time jobs that help pay education expenses while you study.
Federal Loans
Borrowed funds with fixed rates and flexible repayment options.
Find affordable schools now
Filter thousands of colleges by net price and compare real cost data side by side.
See most affordable colleges