Paying for college
- FAFSA, step by stepCreate StudentAid.gov accounts for you and a parent, file as early as you can, and list every school you're considering.
- Reading a financial aid offerSubtract only grants and scholarships from the full cost to find what you'll really pay. Loans are not discounts.
- Scholarships and scholarship scamsFinding scholarships is free. Anyone charging a fee or guaranteeing an award is a red flag.
- Federal student loans, explainedBorrow federal before private, subsidized before unsubsidized, and only what your aid offer leaves uncovered.
- Student loan repayment plansCompare plans with StudentAid.gov's calculator during the six-month grace period. Newer loans default to the Tiered Standard Plan if you don't choose.