College Financial Aid 101

Choosing the best college to attend is hard, but paying for college is an entirely new test. Our tips, tools, and...READ MORE

Choosing the best college to attend is hard, but paying for college is an entirely new test. Our tips, tools, and expert advice can help students navigate student loans, scholarships, grants, the FAFSA, and overall financial aid planning.

Paying for College

A Guide to College Financial Aid

Financial aid is any form of funding that helps a student pay for college, such as a Pell Grant or merit-based scholarship.

Farran Powell Dec. 9, 2021

The Latest

Steps for Being Independent on the FAFSA

A student age 24 or older by Dec. 31 of the award year is considered independent for federal financial aid purposes.

Farran Powell , Emma Kerr and Sarah Wood Nov. 15, 2021

How to Get FAFSA Help Amid COVID-19

High schools and colleges continue to offer virtual financial aid support to students in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Emma Kerr and Sarah Wood Nov. 8, 2021

FAFSA Deadlines You Should Know

The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, but college and state deadlines are often much sooner.

Emma Kerr and Sarah Wood Nov. 3, 2021

A Guide to Completing the FAFSA

The FAFSA is the financial aid form for accessing grants, federal student loans and work-study funds.

Farran Powell , Emma Kerr and Sarah Wood Oct. 1, 2021

How to Complete the CSS Profile

Here's a step-by-step guide to filling out the CSS Profile for college financial aid.

Emma Kerr and Sarah Wood Oct. 1, 2021

Schools That Meet Need With No Loans

These colleges have gone loan-free to reduce their students' debt loads.

Farran Powell , Emma Kerr and Sarah Wood Sept. 24, 2021

Decode Your Financial Aid Award Letter

Use this financial aid award letter sample to become familiar with common terms and see tips for understanding aid offers.

Emma Kerr March 31, 2021

5 Myths About Athletic Scholarships

Despite misconceptions, athletes in sports ranging from golf to water polo can earn athletic scholarships for college.

Deborah Ziff Soriano and Emma Kerr March 24, 2021

Where Most Students Get Merit Aid

An average of around 46% of students received merit aid at these schools in 2019-2020 compared with 15% nationally, per U.S. News data.

Josh Moody March 9, 2021

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