Tools to make college more affordable

Find scholarships, estimate financial aid, and navigate student and parent loan options — all in one place.

Recent articles

5 Key Questions about College Scholarships

Discovering ways to decrease the cost of college by finding free money could make the difference between graduating with mountains of debt or not. Knowing the answers to these five key questions will put students on the path to a more affordable college.

A Guide to Federal Student Loans

The federal government recognized that both graduating high school students and current college students would not be able to get a loan from a bank or traditional lender to pay for college. So, in 1965, they set up a program to ensure that students would have access to loans to attend college.

A Guide to Parent PLUS Loans

The Parent PLUS Loan is a widely-used but often misunderstood way to pay for college. Too many parents sign up for PLUS loans without fully grasping what they are agreeing to or considering the alternatives.

A Guide to Private Loans

Private loans are offered by banks, credit unions, state-based nonprofit agencies, and online lenders. They can be a useful tool for parents who have good credit scores who wish to help their student — but only after the student has exhausted their federal options.

Beyond Tuition: How to Manage Other College Costs

College costs continue to rise, and if you're concerned with how you're going to pay for it, you're certainly not alone. Understanding the total cost of college, not just the tuition, and how to manage those costs is important.