Paying for College Articles

Helpful guidance on every part of paying for college—from FAFSA and scholarships to student loans—so you can plan, save, and stress less.

Are there student loans that go directly to you?

Learn how student loans are disbursed, when funds go directly to you, and the difference between federal, school-channel, and direct-to-consumer loans.

What counts as an "asset" on the FAFSA?

When filing the FAFSA application, you'll be asked about any assets you and your parents have, but what counts as an asset?

Can I edit the FAFSA after I submit it?

Yes, you can edit your FAFSA after submission—learn when, how, and what changes are allowed.

College application fees: what you need to know

Learn how much college applications cost, how to get fee waivers, and tips to reduce expenses when applying to multiple schools.

How to find state grants for college

See how to find and apply for state college grants through FAFSA, state websites, and financial aid offices to reduce your education costs.

Understanding financial aid disbursement dates

Financial aid disbursement dates often range from a few days before classes start to several weeks into the semester.

Complete college packing guide

Don't forget a thing with this complete move in college checklist. Everything you'll need for your dorm is here.

What is college endowment and why does it matter?

College endowment is the total amount of funds an institution has from donors. See schools with the highest endowments and why it matters.

Everything you need to know about the CSS Financial Aid Profile

Learn how the CSS Profile can unlock more financial aid opportunities beyond the FAFSA.

Can I delete my FAFSA?

Learn when and how you can delete or edit your FAFSA application and what to do if you make a mistake before or after submission.

Why you should fill out the FAFSA even if you think you won't qualify

Learn why filing the FAFSA unlocks more than federal aid—including grants, scholarships, and campus jobs.

What can I use scholarship money for and how do I use it?

Congratulations on winning that scholarship money. Find out what those funds can be used for and how to do so.

6 FAFSA benefits you don't want to miss

Don't miss out on FAFSA benefits that could help lower the cost of your college education.

The true cost of college: How much does your education really cost?

Tuition, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other living expenses—find out how much your education really will cost.

Different types of scholarship opportunities

You can find scholarships for literally everyone out there. Learn more about the different types of scholarships.

How do scholarships work? A complete guide

Scholarships are a great way to pay for college, but how do they work? See where to find them, how to apply, and the answers to other FAQs.

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