College Planning & Financial Aid Basics

Planning for college involves more than picking a school. Between applications, financial aid, and scholarships, there is a lot to track. This short guide covers a few essentials to help you get organized and make confident decisions about paying for school.

Start with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Completing it opens the door to federal grants, work-study, and low-interest student loans. Many states and colleges also use it to award their own aid, so filing early each year is one of the most valuable steps you can take.

Finally, look beyond loans. Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid, and there are far more of them than most students realize — from national programs to small local awards. Applying to several smaller scholarships can add up quickly.