Researching the schools you might attend after high school takes time. High school guidance counselors are a good resource for starting your search. Post high school education can include a local community college, state or private university, military college, art or culinary school, or trade or technical training school.
College or University
Some schools can be two year and are often called community colleges. Four year higher educational institutions can be public (state) or private universities.
Federal Student Aid - Use this chart listing items to consider when researching colleges, including your area of study, size of school, and tuition.
College Navigator -This tool helps you explore and compare features of different schools, including academic study programs, admissions guidelines, and campus crime statistics.
College Scorecard - Use this tool to determine if a school is the right fit for you based on cost, student body, the value of your degree, and more.
You may choose to earn a certificate, degree, or diploma from a career trade or technical school that will train you for a specific career, trade, or profession.
There are practical and financial benefits to pursuing an education through a military academy or college. Learn more about military education programs.
State Student Aid -- Even if you're not eligible for federal aid, you can still apply for financial aid from your state. Contact your state grant agency for more information on eligibility and deadlines.
Your College or Career School -- Many institutions offer financial aid from their own funds. They may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. To find out what might be available to you, contact your school’s financial aid office.
Organizations, Nonprofits, or Private Companies -- You may qualify for merit-based or financial need-based grants or scholarships. Some may accept your FAFSA information, but most have their own applications. This form of aid may be available for students who do not qualify for federal aid.
Savings Plans -- Many state governments have created 529 plans with tax advantages that make it easier for families to save for their child’s education. Visit collegesavings.org to learn about the plans available in each state.
In addition to costs, learn about other important factors to consider such as location, accreditation, and more as you research colleges and career schools.
If you want to learn English or need to join an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for school or work, these resources can help you find local and online courses:
Schools or Nonprofit Organizations: If you live in the U.S., every state, county, and city has its own education programs and resources for learning English. If you have children, talk to their school staff, or contact a community college, university, or nonprofit organization to find local programs.
Internet: Learn English from home with the website USALearns.org or download the application to your phone or tablet to practice on the go. Listen to ShareAmerica.gov for audio conversations to learn English.
Libraries: In some communities, libraries offer English classes and materials to study. Find a library near you.
If you are concerned that you might have been scammed or overcharged by an ESL program, contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint.
There are many educational resources and aid available to people with disabilities:
College bound students with intellectual disabilities may be able to take advantage of special financial aid programs. The Federal Student Aid office can provide specific information on loans, grants, and scholarships, and application procedures.
Your state education department or your local community school board can tell you what programs are available in your state and answer questions on state laws regarding educational rights for people with disabilities.
If you feel you have been discriminated against in an educational institution, file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education.
Fraud, Waste or Abuse of Federal Educational Funds
The Department of Education's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigates fraud, waste, and abuse of federal educational funds, including federal student aid.
You may contact the OIG by:
Calling 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733). Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 AM to 11 AM ET, and Tuesday and Thursday 1 PM to 3 PM. ET, except federal holidays.
Downloading a hard copy of the Hotline Complaint Form. After completing it, you can mail or fax it to:
Inspector General's Hotline
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-1500
Fax: (202) 245-7047
Financial Aid Complaints
If you have done everything you can to resolve a student loan issue, use the contact form from the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group to help you resolve student loan complaints. They will work with you and the lender after you have tried other avenues to resolve your issue.
Special Education or Civil Rights Complaints
The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights enforces several federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the Department of Education. Contact their office directly at 1-800-421-3481 or locate one of their enforcement offices.
To locate your school records, contact your former school. Administrators at the school should be able to tell you how to get your records.
This locator can help you find a school or college. You can search for a public school, private school, or college by city, state, zip code, or by school name.
If the school you went to closed, use this state contacts page for help locating the appropriate school district or state higher education agency. They should be able to help you get your records.
Locating Financial Aid Records and Repayment of School Loans (Closed School)
If the school you went to closed and you have questions about repaying your loan, use these resources:
