The Students' Guide
To Paying for College
Paying for college doesn’t have to be scary or traumatic. Here you’ll find advice to raise cash and reduce costs. Check back as we add more tips and tools.
Financial Aid 101
What is Financial Aid Anyway?
FAFSA, Stafford, EFC, PLUS. Colleges seem to speak a foreign language when the subject turns to money. But the basics are simple.
How the Financial Aid System Fails Students
Money for college is hard to find and isn't keeping up with rising costs.
Competition is Tough: Tips for Winning More Aid
If you think getting accepted was hard, try paying tuition in this credit crunch.
FREE MONEY: GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Paying for Graduate School: Grants and Scholarships
How You Can Find Free Money
The inside scoop on grants, scholarships, and merit awards.
Where Those Grants and Scholarships Come From
The government, schools, and charities all offer free money.
Advice
Rankings
Loans
Paying for Graduate School: Loans
The Credit Crunch Could Affect You, Too
Student lenders are getting pickier about whom they'll give cash.
Four Types of Loans for Students
Borrowing should be one of the last options you turn to, but if all that’s standing between you and college is less than, say, $6,000 a year, it definitely pays to borrow to get your degree.
Be Skeptical of Some Advice Out There
That information online might not be as unbiased as it appears.
Work
Work-Study Can Help Keep Cash in Your Pockets
Jobs range from dishwashing to manning the "4-Fact" hotline.
