College Students
You know the old saying…it takes money to make money. This certainly is true of college. An education is one of the surest ways to secure your financial future, but it doesn't come without a price tag.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those with a bachelor’s degree earn 80% more, on average, than those with only a high school diploma—or more than $1 million over a lifetime.
Reality check. The average tuition cost of a 4-year private college just rose 5.6% to $18,273 a year. Average costs at four-year public schools rose even more—9.6%—to $4,081 per year.*
But while costs are rising, so is the level of low-cost federal financial support available to help you pay for your education. Over the past decade, student aid has increased 117% and reached a record $90 billion in 2002.
Every year, over 75% of college students—that’s over 8 million students—receive financial aid. Even if you aren't a straight-A student or a star athlete, you may be eligible for more aid than you think.
Paying for college
Find free money, learn about education loan programs, and begin the application process for low-cost Federal Stafford and NextStudent Private Loans.
Learn Financial Aid Basics
Everything you need to know is right here, from completing the FAFSA to a month-by-month calendar of important information and deadlines you don’t want to meet.
Top Tips
Here you'll find a collection of our best advice for people like you who are pursuing their dreams of a college education.
*Annual Survey of Colleges, The College Board, 2002-2003. Average college costs include four years of tuition, fees, books and supplies, transportation and other expenses, excluding room and board.
Quick Links
» NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine
» Begin the Federal Stafford Loan application process
» Begin the Federal PLUS Loan application process
» Get a NextStudent Private Loan
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