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

BestColleges’ Guide to Student Loans

BestColleges’ Guide to Student Loans

Matthew Arrojas

by Matthew Arrojas

Updated February 3, 2026

How Does Student Loan Interest Work? A Complete Guide

How Does Student Loan Interest Work? A Complete Guide

Gabriel Sánchez

by Gabriel Sánchez

Updated February 26, 2026

A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

Gabriel Sánchez

by Gabriel Sánchez

Updated February 20, 2026

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

What Is the Financial Aid Office?

What Is the Financial Aid Office?

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated November 22, 2022

How to Make College More Affordable

How to Make College More Affordable

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated June 16, 2022

How to Pay Back Student Loans Once Payments Resume

How to Pay Back Student Loans Once Payments Resume

Kristen Grau

by Kristen Grau

Updated May 4, 2022

The Best Financial Literacy Tools for Students

The Best Financial Literacy Tools for Students

Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Updated March 23, 2022

14 Companies That Pay Off Student Loans

14 Companies That Pay Off Student Loans

Kat Tretina

by Kat Tretina

Updated March 1, 2022

Fellowship vs. Scholarship: What’s the Difference?

Fellowship vs. Scholarship: What’s the Difference?

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated February 24, 2022

11 Helpful Grants to Pay Off Student Loans

11 Helpful Grants to Pay Off Student Loans

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated February 23, 2022

How to Be Financially Secure as a College Student

How to Be Financially Secure as a College Student

Lindsay VanSomeren

by Lindsay VanSomeren

Updated February 11, 2022

7 Useful Budgeting Tips for First-Year College Students

7 Useful Budgeting Tips for First-Year College Students

Danika Miller

by Danika Miller

Updated February 11, 2022