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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.

Paying for college Get started
Getting ready for school Get started
Managing money at school Get started

Next steps: Start your college prep

Planning for college

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Fall 2020: How to navigate college admissions during the changing environment

Get guidance on coronavirus topics if you are starting college in fall 2020 or applying to schools as a high school senior.

Mom and teen daughter meeting with school counselor

Parents’ discussion guide: Questions to ask your student’s academic advisor

Help to set your teen up for success by starting an ongoing conversation with their school counselor or academic advisor.

How to decide if you should sign up for extracurricular activities

Before you try out for a sport or sign up for a club, ask yourself these five questions.

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Paying for college

A college student talks on the phone while working on her laptop.

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.

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Get College Ready

Discover all the ways we may be able to help you prepare, from figuring out how to pay for college to managing your money once you’re there.

Free access to more than 7 million scholarships

Head to TFS Scholarships to apply.

Going to college?

Possibly cover your expenses with a Wells Fargo Private Student Loan.*

We are here to help

Call us

For general banking questions:
1-844-258-7776

For student loan questions:
1-877-226-4172

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Schedule an appointment online

For general banking questions:
1-844-258-7776

For student loan questions:
1-877-226-4172

Find us

Make an appointment

* Wells Fargo private student loans are subject to credit qualification, completion of a loan application/consumer credit agreement, verification of application information and, if applicable, a self-certification form, the school’s certification of loan amount, and the student’s enrollment at a Wells Fargo-participating school.