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Financial Aid for College & Graduate School

Everything you need to know about paying for higher education.

College campus with stacks of cash representing financial aid

The Price of Admission: Financial 101 for College-Bound Families

For millions of American families, the path to college has become a labyrinth of forms, formulas, and financial gambles. Understanding financial aid terminology is essential: grants, loans, and work-study are the three main types of aid available. Read article →

Understanding Financial Aid

Financial aid helps students and families pay for college. It can come from federal and state governments, colleges and universities, and private organizations. The three main types of financial aid are:

  • Grants and Scholarships: Free money that doesn't need to be repaid
  • Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest
  • Work-Study: Part-time employment to help cover education costs

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA is the gateway to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Most colleges also use it to determine eligibility for institutional aid. Filing early is crucial—some states and schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

What You'll Need

  • Social Security Number
  • Federal tax returns (or tax transcripts)
  • Records of untaxed income
  • Bank statements and investment records
  • FSA ID (create at StudentAid.gov)

Key Dates for 2025-26

  • Dec 1, 2024: FAFSA opens
  • Varies: State priority deadlines
  • Varies: College deadlines
  • June 30, 2025: Federal deadline

FAFSA Resources

→ FAFSA School Codes → Parent's Guide to FAFSA → FAFSA Deadlines → Common FAFSA Mistakes
Apply for FAFSA at StudentAid.gov

Federal Education Grants

Unlike loans, grants are free money that doesn't need to be repaid. The U.S. Department of Education administers over 100 grant programs for students, schools, and educational institutions.

Pell Grants

Up to $7,395 for undergraduates with financial need. Based on FAFSA.

FSEOG

Supplemental grants up to $4,000 for students with exceptional need.

TEACH Grants

Up to $4,000/year for students agreeing to teach in high-need areas.

Iraq & Afghanistan Service

For students whose parent/guardian died in military service post-9/11.
Browse All Federal Grants → View Complete List (112 programs)

State Scholarship Programs

Many states offer their own scholarship and grant programs for residents attending in-state colleges. These can be combined with federal aid to maximize your financial support.

Georgia HOPE Scholarship Florida Bright Futures Tennessee TN Promise Kentucky KEES Scholarship
Browse All State Programs →

Financial Aid Articles

In-depth guides to understanding grants, loans, scholarships, and the changing landscape of college funding.

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Quick Poll

Question: Would you assume significant student debt for your dream school?

Financial Aid by the Numbers

$1.8T
Total Student Loan Debt
$7,395
Max Pell Grant (2024-25)
43M
Americans with Student Loans
$37K
Average Student Loan Balance

Find Colleges by State

Research colleges and their financial aid offerings in your state.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine
View All States →

Quick Links

Government Resources

Apply for FAFSA
Federal Student Aid
Loan Simulator
Education Tax Credits

TrueSchools Resources

Loan Calculator
FAFSA School Codes
Federal Grants
State Scholarships

Find a College

Student Loan Calculator

$
%
Monthly Payment $340.02
Total Paid $40,802
Total Interest $10,802

Calculation assumes fixed interest rate and standard repayment. Actual payments may vary.

Important Dates

  • October 1
    FAFSA Opens
  • Varies by State
    State Aid Deadlines
  • June 30
    Federal FAFSA Deadline
  • Check Each School
    Institutional Deadlines

Related Resources