Paying for College
So, how much money do you really need for college? That, of course, depends on where you’ll be going to college.
Before you rule out schools you think are too expensive,
consider this. The amount of financial aid for which you’re
eligible depends both on your financial situation, and the
cost of attending college. This means that choosing a lower-priced
school isn’t always your best bet. In fact, your dream
school could be well within your reach.
Free Money
You may qualify for free money—financial aid, such as grants, scholarships and work-study, that does not have to be repaid.
Student Loans
After exhausting free money options, most families turn to federal student loans to fill the college-funding gap. Learn more about federal loan programs, and how Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Parent Plus Loans, and NextStudent Private Loans can help make college more affordable.
Use our calculators to estimate college costs or student loan repayment.
Information for Graduate College Students
» Learning financial aid basics
» Top Tips
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
» NextPath