College financial aid guides, clearly organized.
These resource topics are starting points — plain-language explanations of how grants and student loans work before you engage with official applications or financial aid offices.
Federal Aid Basics
How FAFSA works, what your Student Aid Index means, and an overview of federal grant and loan programs.
FAFSA overviewFederal application processPell Grant basicsEligibility and award structureFederal loan typesSubsidized vs. unsubsidizedGrants and Free Aid
Guides to aid programs that do not require repayment — federal, state, institutional, and private sources.
Grant vs. scholarshipKey differences between typesNeed-based grantsHow financial need is evaluatedPrivate grant researchBeyond federal programsStudent Loans Explained
A plain-language look at federal and private student loans, how interest accrues, and general repayment plan options.
Federal vs. private loansKey differences to understandRepayment plan overviewStandard, graduated & income-driven basicsBefore you borrowQuestions to ask any lenderState Aid Programs
State-funded assistance programs and the residency and enrollment factors that determine eligibility.
State grant overviewHow programs vary by stateResidency requirementsWhat affects state aid eligibilityRenewal conditionsMaintaining state aidInstitutional Aid
Need and merit awards offered directly by colleges and universities, separate from federal programs.
Institutional aid explainedHow schools award their own fundsMerit vs. need awardsHow schools distinguish themAid appeal processRequesting a reviewCost of Attendance & Planning
What cost-of-attendance figures include, and the preparation steps to complete before beginning formal applications.
Beyond tuitionBooks, housing, transportationComparing aid lettersReading award offer lettersPre-application checklistDocuments to gather first