Paying for college
2025–26 FAFSA
If you're a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-U.S. citizen, completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can help you pay for college. This free application is how you can apply for grants, loans, and work-study funds from the U.S. government. States and colleges also use information from your FAFSA to determine additional aid you may be eligible to receive.
Plan to file the FAFSA for each year you are enrolled in college to ensure you receive federal aid. Many colleges and state systems will also use your FAFSA each year to maximize your other financial aid offers.
If you are applying to receive financial aid in the 2025–26 school year, you should complete the 2025-26 FAFSA. Before you complete the FAFSA, you need to create an account called a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID).
Insights from the Common App–uAspire Q&A session
This Q&A answered common questions from students and families about completing the FAFSA. uAspire, a nonprofit organization, provides free advising to help students and their families navigate and understand the financial aid process.
Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel
The Federal Student Aid (FSA) YouTube channel shares step-by-step videos of information and resources related to the financial aid process. All information comes directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Their resources help make college education possible for everyone.
Financial planning for college
From federal grants and student loans to employment through the federal work-study program, the U.S. Department of Education awards about $150 billion a year to more than 15 million students. Visit the Office of Federal Student Aid to learn more.
Like the federal government, your home state offers various types of financial aid. You might be eligible even if you’re not eligible for federal aid. You can find information on state financial aid programs here.
Many colleges and universities provide financial aid and scholarships from their own funds, sometimes for a particular field of study. To learn if a school offers this type of financial support, visit the financial aid section of their website or contact their financial aid office directly.
PRO TIP: College financial aid officers are more than willing to help you and your family understand the financial aid process, even before you’ve applied. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them. That's what they're there for.
Now that you know who is available to help you pay for college, it’s important to understand what you can do to make college more affordable.
It's never too early to set aside funds to pay for college. There are even specific government-sponsored savings plans to help you do just that. To learn about savings opportunities and strategies, visit the Office of Federal Student Aid and check out their guide to saving early.
PRO TIP: Wondering what a particular college might cost? Get an estimate using the U.S. Department of Education’s net price calculator.
Financial aid comes in many forms from many sources. Start by visiting the Office of Federal Student Aid to learn about the different types of financial aid available (like grants, loans, and work-study). Then, when you're ready to apply, you'll need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
PRO TIP: Get a head start on the process by using the Federal Student Aid Estimator. This tool provides an estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.
Most scholarships are awarded by individual colleges in recognition of academic performance, athletic excellence, a commitment to community service, or other unique talents. You can learn about these opportunities by visiting individual colleges’ admission and financial aid offices (or websites). You can also find scholarship opportunities through local, regional, and national non-profit organizations.
PRO TIP: Do your research on scholarships! Make sure you talk with the college or university in which you may enroll to understand how their financial aid packages are put together.
- Call the financial aid office at the college or university of your choice before accepting scholarships.
- Ask the college or university of your choice for information about how they treat outside scholarships, and what implications they might have for your total financial aid package.
Match with scholarships on Common App
First-year students can now match with scholarship opportunities directly in Common App.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Scholarship Program and Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship award high-achieving students up to $40,000 annually for four years of undergraduate study. And now, students can apply for these prestigious scholarships using Common App
Resources
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships
This resource provides tips to guide your scholarship search.
For undocumented students
This resource is for students living in the U.S. without a visa, permanent residency, or citizenship. It can help you understand how to find financial aid for which you are eligible.
Office of Federal Student Aid
It's never too early to set aside funds to pay for college.
Net price calculator
Get estimates for a particular college or university.
Federal Student Aid Estimator
Estimate your eligibility for federal student aid.
Common App Fee Waivers
You may qualify for an application fee waiver.