Whatever type of school beyond high school you attend—whether it’s university, trade school or community college—you have to be thinking about how you’re going to pay for it. The cost of education continues to rise. But if you’re determined to achieve the success that education beyond high school can bring, the investment is worth it. But that doesn’t mean managing these costs isn’t a challenge.

Federal Student Aid can help. We assist more than 10 million students each year with grants, lowinterest loans and work-study programs. That’s what this guide is about: steering you step by step through the process of applying for and receiving aid and repaying student loans.

Now is the time to take action. You may qualify for more financial aid than you think. But you won’t know until you follow the steps we describe here. Investing a little time now could pay off in a brighter future. Start right here.