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Planning and paying for college

Discover all the ways to plan and pay for your college degree.

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Step 1

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How to complete your FAFSA application

Follow these simple tips to ease the financial aid process for you and your family.

Step 2

How can students compare (and appeal) college financial aid offers?

Just as no two schools are the same, neither are any two financial aid offers. Learning how to compare — and appeal, if needed — your award letters is key to selecting the school that matches your situation.

Step 3

Ways to pay for college

There are a variety of ways to fund your college education. Do you know them?

Step 4

Student loan application form on desk with stationery

Private student loan vs. federal student loan

Learn the ways in which federal and private student loans vary from each other.

Step 5

A multi-ethnic group of high school age students are sitting together in class and are working on an assignment at their desk.

Earning college credit hours: AP classes, dual enrollment, and more

Learn five common ways to earn college credit before you actually step foot on campus.

Get College Ready Tracker

Our step-by-step guide is here to help you — from senior year, to freshman orientation and beyond.

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Managing money at school Get started

Next steps: Start your college prep

Planning for college

Female student at desk, working on tablet

High school senior year and your college checklist

Don’t overlook these key details as you plan for your final year of high school.

A student smiles during a videoconference.

Three tips to help students heading to college take control

Experts share their experience and advice to help students to be proactive and diligent, and to encourage them to ask for help when needed this year.

Real stories: Resilience rising in college students and parents

Students and parents share not only how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the college journey, but also how they’re keeping positive over the summer and into the fall.

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Paying for college

What the CARES Act means for students

Legislation that became U.S. law in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic includes helpful changes to student loans and financial aid.

: A student watches a streaming video of an instructor teaching a class.

What’s the impact of rethinking my college plans because of the coronavirus pandemic?

The coronavirus pandemic’s impact on higher education could mean an adjustment to your college expectations, from more distance learning to deferred admission. Here’s how to evaluate your options — and their budget implications — to make the right decision for you.

A student with a dog in her lap takes notes about her financial aid.

FAFSA updates for coronavirus-related financial changes

Learn about steps to create a financial aid action plan if your family’s finances have changed for the 2020 – 2021 school year.