A How-To Guide for High School Students
(And the Adults Who Help Them)
FAFSA AND FINANCIAL AID
What You Need to Know
First in your family to go to college? Filling out the FAFSA on your own? We’re here to help you understand the process and get answers to questions you may have.
DO YOU HAVE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?
Colleges know that students have all kinds of special circumstances. Learn how to answer the FAFSA’s questions — and tell your story to colleges.
FILLED OUT THE FAFSA? HERE’S WHAT’S NEXT.
Doing the FAFSA is a crucial first step. But there’s more. Learn how to work with colleges to get the money and financial aid you deserve.
First in your family to go to college? Join the crowd!
24%
of US undergrads are the first in their family to go to college.
56%
have parents who have less than a bachelor’s degree.
65%
of first-generation students are enrolled full time.
Latest News
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Some argue that scholarship hunting should be viewed as a job. We tend to agree. It might seem like too much work when you already have to deal with school (and everything else). But finding a few...
Video of the Week
Start on the FAFSA with Five Simple Videos from Federal Student Aid
Looking for an easy way to get started on your hunt for college money? The U.S. Department of Education has a useful playlist with five simple videos to guide you through the financial aid process...
Tool of the Week
What Are the Best Sites for Comparing College Costs?
Trying to figure out which colleges you can afford? These are four of our favorite student-tested websites for comparing college costs. All are great for comparing your college offers as well. We...
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