Financial Aid: How to Pay For Your College Education

A male college student holding notebooksFebruary is National Financial Aid Awareness Month and we want to make sure every student benefits from the many financial aid rewards, scholarships and free services available to save on education.
According to U.S. Department of Education statistics, the cost of college tuition is five times more expensive than it was 30 years ago — making it increasingly important to take advantage of programs that can help you pay for college and advance your career.

File Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The U.S. Federal Student Aid Office offers many opportunities to make education more accessible and affordable for Americans.

  • Federal Pell Grants provide aid to low- and middle-income undergraduate students and do not need to be repaid.
  • The Direct Loan Program lends money to students directly for undergraduate and graduate studies and can be subsidized or unsubsidized, depending on your financial situation.
  • PLUS Loans help parents pay for their child’s education expenses incurred in undergraduate or graduate programs.

Filling out the FAFSA can be a complicated process but there are many resources available to help you apply.  The College Preparation Checklist can keep you informed on all the opportunities available, and the FAFSA4caster can show what federal aid you are eligible for.   FAFSA also provides directions to help you understand your filing options when you find the program that’s right for you.  Make sure to check all FAFSA deadlines here before you apply, since the earlier you submit an application, the better!

Take Advantage of Tax Credits for Education

If you are saving for or paying education costs for yourself or someone in your family, make sure to claim valuable tax credits to get money back that you deserve.  The American Opportunity Tax Credit allows taxpayers to claim up to $2,500 for qualified education expenses for each eligible student.  The Lifetime Learning Credit is also available (up to $2,000), and there is no limit for the number of years the credit can be claimed.
Get more information on tax credits for education. »

Make the Most of Freebies to Finance Your Education Expenses

To cut down on education expenses and save some cash, check out these free services to help you become a cost-savvy student:

  • Financial Apps: Mint.com can help you manage your money and develop a budget to reach your financial goals. The site automatically compiles all your financial information (including college loans) into one place so you can finally see your entire financial picture in one place.
  • Tutoring: Struggling in a class?  Sites like Eduwizards.com offer free trials for online tutors who can help students across many subjects and academic grade levels, including college.
  • Books: For ferocious readers always on the go, Librophile.com and BooksShouldBeFree.com have audio books available for download. If you have an electronic reader like the Kindle or iPad, Gutenberg.org has over 33,000 classics whose copyrights have expired for free.
  • Tech Support: If your computer crashes right before a big test, don’t fear – TechGuy.org or 5StarSupport can help with your PC or Mac problems.
  • Business Advice: If you are working and pursuing a degree, check out Score.org to get free, confidential business advice from volunteer executives and business owners.
  • Coupons: Treat yourself to some great deals with Freecoupons.com and Couponsurfer.com/ that are arranged by category and are free to download and print.  Get great deals on school supplies, late night study snacks and more.