Navigating college financial aid can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to look or even begin. Odds are that you know getting a higher education can be expensive, so if you’re past the point of having your initial meltdown session from looking at the tuition costs, then we’ve already gotten past step 1!
My goal for this post is to help you see that there are a variety of resources out there to help you with the college financial aid process. Below, I’m providing you with ten websites that will help you navigate the system, learn all about the various types of aid, and hopefully get you some extra money to put toward any college expenses you or your children may have.
The Most Important Website of Them All…
1. FAFSA
If you haven’t already, you are going to be hearing A LOT about the FAFSA over the course of your college education. Do yourself a favor and head on over there to read all about the ins and outs of it. You’ll want to make sure that you apply for a PIN if it’s your first time filling out the form. Also, please keep in mind that this form is FREE! Schools require that you complete this by a certain time every year so that you can be eligible for college financial aid in the form of grants, work study, federal loans, and some scholarships.
Want more detailed information on college financial aid? Head over to my post Financial Aid for College: What You Need to Know.
Sites with Resources on Everything Concerning College Financial Aid
2. College Board
College Board is your place for SAT prep and sign up, CLEP and AP exam information, and so much more. One of my favorite features of this site is the college search tab that allows you to search for your ideal college based on factors such as location, campus life, and available majors.
While you’re there, take some time to explore the various careers that you can get into by majoring in whatever subject interests you. College Board allows you to sign up for your own account so that you can keep track of everything, including how you can pay for your college education!
If you want more information on how to keep college costs down or how to pay off student loans quickly check out the following:
- 7 Tips for Paying Off Student Loans
- 5 Ways to Save Thousands as a College Student
- 6 Sites That Will Help You Save Money on College Textbooks
- 7 Ways to Reduce College Costs
- 8 Easy Ways to Save and Make Money as a College Student
3. FinAid
FinAid is not a super beautiful site to look at, but the information you can find about college financial aid is absolutely invaluable. This is the place you want to go if you have questions about completing the FAFSA, how the military affects your aid, and if you need some more guided assistance on the whole college planning process.
4. About.com – College Savings
About.com College Savings is agreat site to find information on everything relating to college financial aid. Here, you’ll find articles that focus on 529 Plans, as well as others which walk you through how to apply for aid and calculate the cost of your education. In the blog, you can find news about college costs and what you should know about higher education. Since the guide updates the section every day or two, you can expect to find new information and tips throughout your savings process.
5. U.S. News – Education
The U.S. News Education section is one of my favorites to visit to this day because they post college ratings every year, have a great search tool, and provide lots of useful information on a variety of topics, including college financial aid. You’ll notice that this site has specific sections for the level of schooling you are in (e.g. high school, community college, college, graduate, online).
6. College.gov
This is a great site for learning the ins and outs of the FAFSA, as well as what the different types of financial aid mean. You can get information on the various repayment programs that will be available to you after school, how college financial aid gets disbursed, and everything in-between.
If you are still in high school and are just getting started with the planning and college financial aid process, you’ll definitely want to put College.gov at the top of your list of websites to check out.
Show Me the Money!
7.Upromise
It is never too early to start saving for your college education. Upromise.com allows families to help save up funds for the student through their purchases. Individuals can input their credit card information, shop online through the site and/or eat at specified restaurants to participate. A designated percentage of each purchase will be placed in the student’s fund on the Upromise site.
This site allows multiple family members to participate in the savings process. An account can be set up at any time for the student, so the earlier you start saving, the better! Funds can be withdrawn directly from the site.
Another benefit of Upromise is that you can use the money you’ve saved up to pay off any current loans you may have with Sallie Mae.
8. Savingforcollege.com
Savingforcollege.comis unique because it has a strong focus on 529 plans. They recently released a guide showing their best performing 529 plans from last year which is great information for anyone who is trying to choose a plan. This site is probably the best resource I’ve found on the web is regards to learning about these plans, how they work, and how they can help with your college financial aid journey.
529 plans not your thing? Still make sure you check out the financial aid section that has tools and calculators to help you figure out costs and potential financial aid amounts.
9. FastWeb
FastWeb is one of the biggest scholarship sites on the web. Students can fill out a profile and receive results that are tailored to their interests, academic goals and grade point averages. Be prepared to write some essays or provide references from faculty at your school. Also, make sure to read the full list of guidelines before applying to any scholarship.
Even if there is are several applicants, I always encourage students to apply because it’s free money and I know theycould use some extra college financial aid!
If FastWeb is too popular of a site for you, there are tons of up-and-coming apps available on your smartphone, such as Scholly.
10. Sallie Mae
Known mainly for its loans, SallieMae.com also provides students and parents with information in regards to college preparation. You can browse through pages that assist with saving for school, applying, and finding free money. I really like the Plan for College section as well.
Bonus
Most people won’t associate Ebates with college financial aid, but I am because SO much money can be saved here. With tons of cash back deals, you can easily buy almost all of your college student essentialsand get some money back to put toward other expenses. Every little bit counts, right?
Is your brain fried yet? I know navigating the college financial aid process can be a bit overwhelming, so I hope these sites help put your mind at ease. If you have any questions or any sites you’d like to add, I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
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