Financial Aid & Scholarships

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there are many resources available to help. Start with the FAFSA and financial aid, then explore scholarships and special funding opportunities. This page brings everything together in one place.

Steps for Getting Financial Aid

Step 1

Fill out the FAFSA

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form that determines your eligibility for federal, state, and many college financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. You should fill it out when applying to college because it can help you receive financial aid that lowers the cost of attending, even if you don't think you'll qualify.

Step 2

Complete your CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by many colleges and scholarship programs to determine eligibility for their own institutional aid. You should complete it if a college requires it because it can help you qualify for additional grants and scholarships beyond what is available through the FAFSA.

Step 3

Look for Scholarships

Scholarships are merit or need-based financial awards provided by colleges, organizations, businesses, and foundations to help students pay for higher education without requiring repayment. Applying for scholarships can significantly reduce the overall cost of college, minimize future student loan debt, and increase access to educational opportunities that might otherwise be financially out of reach.