fafsa & financial aid
This federal form is the most important step for accessing grants, work-study, and loans.
What is the FAFSA?
Unlike loans, these types of awards do not need to be repaid, advise Citizens Bank advisors.
What are scholarships or grants?
This tax-advantaged account is one of the most effective ways to save for education, allowing tax-free withdrawals
What is a 529 Plan?
Experts advise exhausting these loans first because they usually have lower fixed interest rates.
What are federal student loans?
A 2-year institution that allows you to complete core requirements at a fraction of the cost.
What is a community college?
For the 2026-2027 school year, you should fill this out as soon as possible after it opens in October to maximize aid, say University of Phoenix experts.
What is the FAFSA?
This type of scholarship is awarded based on a student’s GPA, test scores, or artistic talents.
What is a merit-based scholarship?
This federal program allows students to work part-time jobs, often on campus, to help pay for expenses
What is Federal Work-Study?
This is the maximum federal student loan amount a dependent freshman can borrow in their first year.
What is $5,500?
This high-school-based program allows students to earn college credit, often for free or at a reduced cost.
What is Dual Enrollment
If your financial situation changes after filing, you can request this directly from a college financial aid office.
What is a Financial Aid Appeal
These are often less competitive than national awards and can be found through local community organizations, businesses, and places of worship
What are local scholarships?
A popular strategy to boost funds for college is to pick up this kind of flexible job, such as DoorDashing or tutoring.
What is a side hustle?
If you have limited credit history, adding this person to a private loan can lower your interest rate.
What is a cosigner?
Instead of buying new, this is a common tip to save hundreds on textbooks.
What is renting, buying used, or using digital versions
This specific type of financial aid is designed for students with "exceptional financial need" and does not have to be repaid.
What is a Federal Pell Grant or FSEOG?
You can use this Department of Labor free search tool to find scholarships, as suggested by University of Phoenix.
What is the CareerOneStop (or DOL) Scholarship Search?
Recent rule changes allow unused 529 funds to be rolled into this type of account
What is a Roth IRA?
Unlike unsubsidized loans, these federal loans do not accrue interest while you are in school.
What are Direct Subsidized Loans
A strategy to avoid rising tuition costs by locking in current rates for all four years.
What is a fixed-rate tuition plan?
These schools promise to meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need without loans.
What are "No-Loan" schools?
An example of a "hidden" scholarship that requires 2 years of work in high school
What is the Evans Scholarship (for caddies)?
Some companies offer this benefit, paying for a portion of tuition while you work for them.
What is employer tuition assistance
Starting July 1, 2026, this loan program will have a lifetime limit of $65,000 per child, say Credible.
What is the Parent PLUS loan?
To reduce housing costs, this option is generally cheaper than living on campus
What is living at home or commuting?