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This page will help you understand how to pay for college and what steps to take to get financial aid. Use the sections below to learn about the FAFSA, types of aid, and how to reduce the cost of college.

➡️ Your task: Find out when the FAFSA opens and write down one step you need to take this week.

Start Here

  1. Learn what financial aid is and how it works
  2. Create your FSA ID (you and a parent/guardian)
  3. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible
  4. Look for scholarships and other ways to reduce costs

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is money that helps you pay for college. It can come from the government, colleges, or private organizations.

Financial aid may include grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.

Types of Financial Aid

There are different types of financial aid. Some you do not have to pay back, and some you do.

  • Grants
    Money you do not have to pay back (often based on financial need)
  • Scholarships
    Money you earn based on achievements, activities, or other criteria
  • Work-Study
    A part-time job that helps you earn money while in college
  • Loans
    Money you borrow and must pay back later with interest

FAFSA

The FAFSA is the application used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

  • You must complete the FAFSA to receive most types of financial aid
  • It is completed online at studentaid.gov
  • Both you and a parent/guardian may need to provide information

💡 Tips:

  • Complete the FAFSA as early as possible
  • Have tax and financial documents ready
  • Ask for help if you are unsure how to complete it

Important

The FAFSA usually opens on October 1. Completing it early can increase your chances of receiving more financial aid.

FSA ID

Before completing the FAFSA, you need to create an FSA ID.

  • The FSA ID is your login for federal student aid websites
  • Both you and a parent/guardian need one
  • You will use it to sign and submit your FAFSA

Create your FSA ID at studentaid.gov

Cost of College

The cost of college is more than just tuition. It may include:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Housing and meals
  • Books and supplies
  • Transportation
  • Personal expenses

💡 Tip:
Look at the total cost, not just tuition, when comparing colleges.

How to Reduce the Cost

Here are simple ways to make college more affordable:

  • Apply for scholarships
  • Choose a school that offers strong financial aid
  • Consider starting at a community college
  • Live at home if possible
  • Work part-time while in school

Quick Check

  • Do I know when the FAFSA opens?
  • Do I have an FSA ID?
  • What is one step I will complete this week?
  • Have I started looking for scholarships?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting too long to complete the FAFSA
  • Thinking you will not qualify for financial aid
  • Not applying for scholarships
  • Only looking at tuition instead of total cost
  • Missing important deadlines

Next Step

After completing the FAFSA, visit the Scholarships page to find additional ways to pay for college.