If you’re looking for how to pay for college, one of the first things you need to do is fill out the FAFSA.
Free
Application for
Federal
Student
Aid
It’s a form that you and your parents fill out to see how much the government will help you. You should fill this form out every year; the sooner you do it, the more options could be available to you.
One in four families don’t fill out the FAFSA, either because they don’t even know about it, they think it won’t help them, or it’s too complicated. 1
Filling out the FAFSA can help you in several ways, based on your financial need.
Grants
Grants are gifts – money that you don’t have to pay back (as long as you finish your degree). The more financial need your family has, the more likely it is that you will receive a grant.
Work-Study Program
You could be eligible for a federal program that provides you a part-time job while you go to college.
Loans
If you show financial need, you could get loans from the government. In a subsidized loan, the government helps you out; they pay the interest on the loan while you’re still in college. An unsubsidized loan means you’re paying for the interest, but it’s usually a lower rate than if you get a private loan.
Don’t miss the Deadline!!
Go to the Federal Student Aid Website to check the application deadline for your state!
For more ways to pay for college, and more advice about your transition to college, check out my book!
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- SALLIE MAE. “HOW AMERICA PAYS FOR COLLEGE 2019.” ACCESSED JULY 1, 2020. HTTPS://WWW.SALLIEMAE.COM/ABOUT/LEADING-RESEARCH/HOW-AMERICA-PAYS-FOR-COLLEGE/.