Paying for College

College isn't cheap, but you have options. We put together clear guidance on the FAFSA, student loans, the Pell Grant, and other financial aid resources to help you make confident, informed decisions.
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Everything You Need to Know About the FAFSA

The Student’s Guide to Financial Aid and the FAFSA

The Student’s Guide to Financial Aid and the FAFSA

What is financial aid? What is the FAFSA? Learn about the different types of aid you can get for college and how to fill out the FAFSA.

Matthew Arrojas

by Matthew Arrojas

Updated January 6, 2026

Understanding Student Loans

The Student’s Guide to College Loans

The Student’s Guide to College Loans

Matthew Arrojas

by Matthew Arrojas

Updated September 22, 2025

How Does Student Loan Interest Work? A Complete Guide

How Does Student Loan Interest Work? A Complete Guide

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated July 5, 2022

A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated March 25, 2023

The Pell Grant Explained

What Is the Pell Grant?

What Is the Pell Grant?

Matthew Arrojas

by Matthew Arrojas

Updated January 20, 2026

Pell Grant Calculator: How Much Federal Aid Can You Get?

Pell Grant Calculator: How Much Federal Aid Can You Get?

Matthew Arrojas

by Matthew Arrojas

Updated January 26, 2026

Average Pell Grant and 2026 Maximum Amount

Average Pell Grant and 2026 Maximum Amount

Lyss Welding

by Lyss Welding

Updated January 7, 2026

Scholarships for Every Student

Earning a Free Degree

Financial Aid Guides for Every Student

Financial Aid News to Know

All Financial Aid Resources

Dependent vs. Independent Student: Which Are You?

Dependent vs. Independent Student: Which Are You?

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated March 28, 2024

What Is a Grant for College?

What Is a Grant for College?

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated March 27, 2024

5 Ways Student Veterans Can Maximize GI Bill® Benefits

5 Ways Student Veterans Can Maximize GI Bill® Benefits

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated March 27, 2024

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in California

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in California

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated February 23, 2024

FAFSA Deadlines Rundown for 2024-25

FAFSA Deadlines Rundown for 2024-25

Tyler Epps

by Tyler Epps

Updated January 8, 2024

10 Colleges With the Best Return on Investment in 2023

10 Colleges With the Best Return on Investment in 2023

Meg Embry

by Meg Embry

Updated November 22, 2023

20+ Scholarships for Illinois Students

20+ Scholarships for Illinois Students

James Mielke

by James Mielke

Updated July 28, 2023

Merit-Based vs. Need-Based Aid: What Is the Difference?

Merit-Based vs. Need-Based Aid: What Is the Difference?

Steve Bailey

by Steve Bailey

Updated May 23, 2023

How to Appeal Financial Aid to Get More Money

How to Appeal Financial Aid to Get More Money

Tyler Epps

by Tyler Epps

Updated May 23, 2023