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Paying for College
Resource Center

Every year, the price of education gets
higher, often increasing at a faster
pace than the overall inflation rate.
This site seeks to inform students,
parents and families about the many
options to make college affordable.

Table of Contents

1

Financial Aid. FAFSA, SAI
& Financial Aid Letter

1

2

Grants. Scholarships
and Student Loans

2

3

Private Loans to
Pay for College

3

4

Advice for Parents: How
to Pay Less for College

4

1

Financial Aid.
FAFSA, SAI &
Financial Aid Letter

How Much Will College
Actually Cost?

While a large percentage of college students qualify for some form of aid, The bottom line is that you won't know what your financial obligation will be until after you:

Bottom line: a financial aid award, your ultimate, out–of–pocket costs may dramatically decrease from the original sticker price.

How Does Financial Aid Work?
Complete FAFSA after October 1st your senior year or use CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Form for non-federal aid to calculate your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, which is an estimate of how much you can afford to pay for college.
How to Navigate the FAFSA - an infographic overview
FAFSA Deadlines & Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers to some of the most common questions about federal financial aid applications.
How to Represent Your Family's Assets on the FAFSA
The FAFSA will ask you to provide a number of financial details, including your current assets. Here are three tips on how to best represent yourself when disclosing your assets.
Need-Based Aid vs. Merit-Based Aid
What is need vs merit based aid? Educate yourself on all your financial aid options.
I’m Not A U.S. Citizen. Can I Still Get Financial Aid?
If you aren’t a U.S. citizen, don’t assume that you won’t qualify for federal and state financial aid. Read on…
Evaluating Your Financial Aid Award Letter
How to compare offers to determine which one makes the most financial sense for you.
How to Appeal Your Financial Aid Award
The financial aid award letter sent from your college is an offer. And it's an offer you're under no obligation to accept. Learn how to "appeal" for more financial aid.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator

Check out our videos:

Reviewing Updates to the FAFSA screenshot

College Financial Aid Explained

Biggest Myths

Biggest Myths About Financial Aid

Understanding financial aid

Understanding Financial
Aid Award Letters

What you dont know

What You Don’t Know About
Financial Aid Could Cost You

Reviewing updates

Reviewing Updates to the FAFSA

2

Grants. Scholarships
and Student Loans

Grants can come from the state, government or the college you are attending, and do not require repayment. Scholarships also don't have to be repaid. Student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.

Check out our videos:

finding grants

Finding Grants and Scholarships for College

College scholarships

College Scholarships and Financial Aid

Cost of attendance

Cost of Attendance: Paying Less for College

3

Private Loans to Pay for College

Private loans for students and parents are offered by private lenders to help cover college expenses. Private loans for college may allow you to borrow up to the total cost of attendance.

4 Factors to Consider When Evaluating Your Student Loan Options
Start here with these four considerations to help you make the best choice for your situation.
College Budgeting 101: Get Ready to Pay for Your First Semester
Create your budget for college, factor in financial aid, savings and other sources to help pay for college
Frequently asked questions about private student loans | SallieMae
How to Apply for Student Loans: Private vs Federal Loans | PNC

Check out our videos:

Navigating college costs

Navigating College Costs

Financial aid secrets

Financial Aid Secrets

4

Advice for Parents: How to Pay Less for College

12 Savvy Ways to Pay Less for College
We offer 12 practical and thoughtful tips, strategies and ideas to prepare, plan and manage college costs.
When Is the Cost of College a Deal Breaker?
Find out when you should pay attention to the cost of college, and when you should ignore it.
Get your copy of Paying for College, 2024 Edition
While a large percentage of college students qualify for some form of aid, applying for—and more importantly, maximizing your eligibility before …
Princeton Review’s Financial Aid Honor Roll
We salute the following 15 colleges that received a Financial Aid Rating of 99 (the highest possible score) in our rating tallies this year.
Best Value Colleges Ranking List
Check out our list of the 209 best value colleges—based on academics, costs, financial aid, debt, graduation rates, and alumni career and salary data. Find college rankings in categories like Best Career Placement, Best Alumni Network, and more.

Check out our videos:

Creative ways to save money

Creative Ways to
Save Money on College

Best value colleges

Best Value Colleges