This guide explains how to make the most of scholarships, financial aid, and savings, and it reveals lesser-known ways to augment these common resources. The guide is especially useful to families with too much income to qualify for need-based aid, and not enough to pay high tuition rates. The chapters are: (1) "The Three Elements of College…

This publication explains what federal student financial aid is and what types of student aid are available. Two introductory sections present: federal student aid at-a-glance (what it is, who gets it, and how to get it) and finding out about student aid. The first section presents general information on the following subjects: student…

A brochure describes how student loan default can cause permanent damage to an individual's financial future. and how to prevent default. A student loan is a legal promise. In exchange for help funding one's education, a promise is made to repay the education loan. The promise is made by signing a Promissory Note for any funds borrowed. Loan…

Three years ago, President George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The new law reflected an unprecedented, bipartisan commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to obtain a quality education and reach…

Reviews issues surrounding college tuition discounting, and outlines sources of confusion, defines various discount types, provides historical background prior to recent changes in fund accounting rules, describes the new rules' impact, outlines different uses of tuition discounting by three groups, and applies the accumulated definitions to an…

There are numerous financial planning and money management handbooks, but few focus on the needs of young adults between 16 and 25 years of age. Colleges and some high schools are increasingly offering courses covering money management, but the materials are more "economics-focused" than "real-world" focused. Young people are huge consumers who…

This fact sheet, an update of a report published in 1987, provides an overview of the financial aid system for postsecondary education. It covers the various types of financial aid, the technical words and phrases used to discuss it, and the process involved in its disbursement. The fact sheet discusses the roles and responsibilities of those who…

This Braille publication describes the student financial aid programs of the U.S. Department of Education and advises students about paying for college. It outlines things a student should ask about college and how to obtain financial aid, whether grants, work-study, or loans. Chapters provide information on: (1) "Education after High School"; (2)…

This guide, written in Spanish, discusses reasons for going to college, how to pay for college, and how to apply for federal student aid in a series of brief, clear illustrations. Following outlines of financial benefits of college, college costs, and space to note costs for the student's area, the guide outlines these steps in the application…

This guidebook contains reviews of more than 160 resources focused on the college financial aid process and background information on all aspects of the process. Included are resources to help complete federal student aid forms and advice about other types of public and private scholarships, grants, and loans. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction";…

This guide for prospective graduate students contains information on funding graduate study in the United States and abroad through scholarships, loans, and other programs. The chapters are: (1) "Graduate Degrees, Institutional Financial Aid, and Graduate School Application Tips"; (2) "External Funding"; (3) "Individual Training Fellowships"; (4)…

This leaflet contains a checklist of actions students should take to prepare for college. The checklist begins with the pre high school years, by advising selection of challenging courses and outlining ways to save for college. Ninth graders are again advised to select challenging courses and to begin to think about possible careers. It is…

The online version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to apply for federal financial aid using the Internet. In many cases, FAFSA on the Web may be used to apply for financial aid from other sources, such as states or schools. Data are secured, so sending an application through the Internet is as safe as…

Examines need-based aid for American Indian college students, focusing on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Financial Aid Profile. Discusses how FAFSA is used to calculate parents' contribution, suggestions for filling out the forms, how colleges determine student financial aid, and a typical financial aid offer.…

This booklet is designed to help Pennsylvania's re-entry female students find the best ways to finance a college education. It presents a "To Do" list with the following steps: (1) prioritize what is wanted or needed from an enhanced educational opportunity; (2) familiarize oneself with different types of federal, state, and local aid…