College Loans
What Do Student Loans Cover?
Find out what student loans cover and how they might help you pay for college. Learn how you can pay for college and what student loans cover.
Paying for College
Helpful information on types of financial aid, what your student loan can be used for, reducing tuition and other particulars of college finances.
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Keep up the Scholarship Search
There’s still time to uncover new scholarships. Try the scholarship search tool.
Apply for Scholarships
It’s not too late to apply for scholarships. Keep searching. Any scholarship you get is free money to help pay for college.
Compare Award Letters
You should see your acceptances and award letters start to come in. Begin comparing offers to figure out what each school will cost.
Look for Jobs and Internships
A summer job is a great way to help pay for college. It’s important to understand how summer jobs can affect Financial Aid.
Read the Fine Print on Scholarships
Before you accept a scholarship, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully.
Try for More Aid
If your financial circumstances changed, try appealing your financial aid package.
Send Your Deposit
Once you’ve selected a college, send the deposit before the deadline, which is typically due May 1 or shortly after.
Ask About Scholarships
Keep looking for scholarships to see what you can get. Your college may have one that you didn’t know about. Ask!
Look into Campus Living
You’ve made the big choice, now come the smaller ones. It’s time to decide on housing, meal plans and roommates.
Get Working
Sign up for summer jobs or summer internships. The earlier you build out your résumé, the better off you’ll be come college graduation. Plus, any money you earn over the summer can help with college expenses.
Turn Work into Scholarships
Some jobs offer part-time employees access to scholarships or tuition assistance. Ask to see if your summer job can help pay your tuition bill.
Follow Up on Your Financial Aid
Double check to make sure you have your FAFSA acknowledgement, and accept your financial aid package online in your student portal.
Apply for Private Student Loans
If you need help covering your remaining school-certified college costs, now’s the time to apply for your private student loans.
Don’t Forget About Scholarships
Keep looking for scholarships to see what you can get. Your college might have one that you didn’t know about. Ask!
Apply for Private Student Loans
If you still need money to cover school-certified college costs, make sure to apply for private student loans before tuition is due.
Pay Your Tuition
This is the last step before going to college if you are paying tuition out of pocket.
Apply for Summer Scholarships
Not every scholarship has a fall deadline. Research summer scholarships. The slow season might even make it easier to win.
You May Still for Private Student Loans
If you still need money to cover school-certified college costs, make sure to apply for private student loans before tuition is due.
Research Scholarships
It’s never too soon to start researching scholarships so you can get free money for college.
Go to a Financial Aid Workshop
Sign up for any college admissions planning or financial aid workshops your school offers. Bring a parent if you can.
Research Scholarships
Research as many scholarships as you can, and start keeping track of deadlines in a spreadsheet.
Prepare for the FAFSA®
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available October 1. Begin gathering tax information, asset records, Social Security numbers and federal school codes.
Fill Out the FAFSA
The FAFSA is available October 1. No matter what your financial situation, you should fill out the FAFSA.
Review Your SAR
After you complete your FAFSA, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review carefully to make sure all the information from your FAFSA is correct.
Complete the CSS Profile™
In addition to the FAFSA, you may be required to complete the CSS Profile. Nearly 400 colleges use the CSS to determine eligibility for non-federal financial aid, so check with the schools on your list.
Continue Scholarship Research
Keep researching. Start with what you’re good at and look for scholarships that speak to your talents.
Finish Your FAFSA
If you haven’t already, fill out the FAFSA, so you don’t miss out on scholarships, grants or federal loans.
Find New Scholarships
It’s National Scholarship Month! If you need help finding available scholarships, try the Discover Student Loans free scholarship search tool.
Apply for Scholarships
Found some scholarships that seem like a good fit? Send in your applications, and keep the scholarship search going. If you need help finding available scholarships, try the free Discover Student Loans scholarship search tool.
College Costs
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Does it Pay to Stay in State?
It is a common belief that out-of-state tuition can be more expensive than in-state tuition. Check out which states offer affordable costs to attend state schools.
College Costs
Average Cost of College Tuition
Learn about the average cost of a college education and how choice might affect the average annual costs.
College Costs
How to Graduate College with (Almost) No Debt
It may be tempting to borrow for college, but there are ways to avoid it. Discover Student Loans offers first-person accounts on graduating college without debt - or very little.
College Costs
The Rising Cost of College Infographic
Just how much has the cost of college increased over the years? Check out this infographic from Discover Student Loans to compare what Baby Boomers paid vs. Gen Z.
College Costs
What Does College Actually Cost?
Wonder how much college costs per year? Here is a rundown of the average college expenses, and a few tips to help you keep them to a minimum.
College Costs
How Much Will College Cost by Location?
Learn about the cost of living in college and how a school's location can impact out-of-pocket expenses and how much college costs.
College Costs
Where You Live Can Help Save on College Expenses
Find out your options when considering how to afford college living expenses. Get advice on how to limit college expenses when choosing where to live.
College Costs
4 Options if Tuition is Due and You Don't Have the Cash
Find out what options are available if college tuition is due but you don't have the money on hand. Have a plan in place before tuition is due.
College Costs
7 Helpful Tips on Paying for Your Child's College Tuition
It helps to get organized when you pay tuition for your college student. Discover Student Loans prepares you for paying college tuition.
Financial Aid
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Navigating Financial Aid
Navigating the financial aid process can seem daunting whether it's your first time in college or you are a returning student. Use these step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the process.
Financial Aid
The Student Aid Report
You will receive your Student Aid Report after you submit your FAFSA. Learn about the SAR and how it is used to determine financial aid.
Financial Aid
How I Saved $8,000 in Tuition by Working for My School
While it's difficult juggling a job and college, there are many perks for having a work-study position. Learn how one student saved on tuition through federal work-study.
Financial Aid
How Academic Performance Can Impact FAFSA Eligibility
If you used FAFSA to apply for financial aid, do not assume your award is a lock for next year. Discover Student Loans explains how your academic performance can impact your FAFSA eligibility.
Financial Aid
What Parents & Students Need to Know About FAFSA Dependency Status
Dependency status determines whose financial information will be reported on the FAFSA. Find out what parents and students need to know about FAFSA dependency status.
Financial Aid
How to Get More Financial Aid if There is Gap in Your Funding
Sometimes your financial aid award is not enough to cover your college expenses. Here's what to do when there's a gap in your financial aid.
Financial Aid
What's the Catch Behind Free College Tuition?
Get a glimpse of College Promise Programs by state. Learn more about the pros and cons of free college tuition.
Financial Aid
Top Mistakes When Filling Out the FAFSA (and How to Avoid Them)
Learn how to avoid these common mistakes when filling out the FAFSA. Submitting an application the right way can help ensure you get the most money possible.
Financial Aid
Finding Your Perfect Work-Study Job
Federal work-study is a great way to pay for college and gain experience. Here are some tips to find the right work-study job for you.
College Loans
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My Biggest Student Loan Regrets
It's important to understand the ins and outs of student loans before applying. Discover Student Loans provides advice for avoiding common student loan regrets.
College Loans
How Rising Interest Rates Affect Your Student Loans
Wondering how rising interest rates may affect your student loan rate? Find out how the Federal Reserve movements could affect the interest rate of your student loan.
College Loans
What You Need to Know About Student Loan Refunds
Did you get a student loan refund? Before rushing out to spend it all, find out the best way to use your student loan refund to avoid costly mistakes.
College Loans
How I Reduced How Much I Needed to Borrow in Student Loans
Student loan payments can be ongoing and expensive. Discover Student Loans shares one student's story on how she borrowed less for college.
College Loans
What is a Direct Stafford Loan?
Learn what a Direct Stafford Loan is and the differences between subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans. Find out more about this most common federal student loan.
College Loans
Determine How Much to Borrow
Follow easy steps to help you determine how much you need to borrow in student loans from Discover Student Loans.
College Loans
Consider Federal Student Loans
Find helpful information about the different federal student loan options for college. Compare federal and private loans and choose the loan that best fit your needs.
College Loans
4 Smart Tips for Comparing Student Loan Interest Rates
The advertised interest rate for student loans can be confusing. Here are four tips that can help you compare interest rates.
College Loans
Are Making In-School Payments Worth It?
Making small monthly payments can make a difference because it helps offset the interest that accrues. Here's how to make in-school payments.
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