Paying for College
Get help to make informed financial decisions about how to pay for college. Start by comparing financial aid offers or understanding student loan repayment options.
Welcome!
It’s more important than ever for students and former students to make smart decisions about financing their college education. Whether you’re attending college soon, are a current student, or already have student loans, we’ve put together some tools and resources to help you make the best decisions for you.
Student financial guides
For many people, how to pay for a college education is one of the first major financial decisions they'll make. These guides cover some of the big decisions you’ll face and will help you understand your options for financing your college education.
Student loans
If you’re considering student loans to help you pay for school, you’re not alone – many students need loans to cover their full cost of attendance. If you have to take out student loans, comparing your options can help you find the student loan best suited for your needs. More about student loans.
Still need to apply for financial aid?
Visit fafsa.gov
Student banking
Unlike that first school ID photo, your first banking relationship could last long after you graduate. Making a smart decision now will mean fewer surprise fees that can add up later. More about managing your money.
Compare financial aid offers
As part of our Know Before You Owe project, we worked with the Department of Education to create a Financial Aid Shopping Sheet. Now that thousands of colleges are adopting this clear and comparable form, we’ve built a tool that complements the shopping sheet to help students make comparisons tailored to their individual circumstances.
Still researching schools?
Check out College Scorecard
Repay student debt
Paying off student debt can be confusing. We'll walk you through how to optimize paying off your student loans, even if you're behind.