The Community College Transfer Path
How families can reach a top university for far less money without losing time, credits, or confidence.
Read article →Financial Aid for College & Graduate School
Everything you need to know about paying for higher education.
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
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.
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.
Browse All State Programs →Financial Aid Articles
In-depth guides to understanding grants, loans, scholarships, and the changing landscape of college funding.
Late Scholarship Offers and Waitlist Chaos
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How to Pay for Graduate School: The Complete Funding Guide
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FAFSA 2026-2027: Complete Parent Guide
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The $1.8 Trillion Machine: How Student Loan Infrastructure Is Being Rebuilt
Federal policy overhauls, servicer meltdowns, and fintech disruption are forcing a fundamental rethinking of how Americans finance higher education.
Read article → The Price of Admission
For millions of American families, the path to college has become a labyrinth of forms, formulas, and financial gambles. A guide to navigating the maze.
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The Architecture of College Funding: How Technology Is Reshaping Educational Grants
From FAFSA modernization to AI-powered scholarship matching, the infrastructure of financial aid is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades.
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Scholarships, Now Running on Software
The emerging stack behind college and graduate funding—how discovery, eligibility, verification, and review are being transformed by technology.
Read article →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
Quick Links
Government Resources
TruSchools Resources
Helpful Tools
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 1FAFSA Opens
- Varies by StateState Aid Deadlines
- June 30Federal FAFSA Deadline
- Check Each SchoolInstitutional Deadlines