Discover Student Loans
Discover Student Loans

How to pay for college

Helpful information on the types of financial aid, what your student loan can be used for, reducing tuition, and college finances.

Paying for college 101

Your Ultimate Guide to the FAFSA

Learn what the FAFSA is and how filling it out early can benefit you and your finances as you prepare for college financial aid and student loans.

How much college really costs, and how to make the right choice for your budget

Learn about what factors influence the cost of college and how they are broken down. See how your college decision might affect the annual costs.

What’s the difference between private and federal student loans?

How are federal and private student loans different? Read how interest rates, origination fees, and other factors differ with Discover Student Loans.
Your Ultimate Guide to the FAFSA
What Does College Actually Cost?
What’s the difference between private and federal student loans?

Monthly Reminder:

    january

    Early decision deposits are due in February

    Contact your school’s financial aid office to confirm when you need to submit enrollment deposits for early decision admissions.

    Keep the financial aid office in the loop

    If your family’s financial circumstances have changed since you submitted the FAFSA, let the financial aid offices know and provide any requested documentation.

    Keep up the scholarship search

    There’s still time to apply for new scholarships. Try our free scholarship search tool to help you find more.

    february

    Financial aid award letters may start rolling in early

    It’s super exciting! Your acceptance and award letters are coming soon so be on the lookout for them in your mail or email.

    Create a college budget

    Get a head start on creating a budget. It can also be helpful to consider opening a bank account if you haven’t already to start saving money.

    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.

    march

    Compare award letters

    Acceptances and award letters are likely arriving for regular decision. Use our award letter comparison tool to help you compare them.

    Report any scholarships you received

    Scholarships may change your financial aid package. Let the financial aid office know about any scholarships you have received.

    Negotiate or appeal your financial aid award

    It’s possible to appeal a financial aid package if your dream college did not award you enough money or your financial circumstances have changed. Contact your schools to start the negotiation process. 

    april

    Talk finances with your family

    With your acceptance letters in hand, it’s a good time to continue your conversation about how you will pay for college and talk about private student loans.

    Ask about scholarships

    Keep looking for scholarships and ask your counselor for any opportunities you may not know about.

    Pay your deposit

    The deadline to pay your enrollment deposit is around the corner. You have until May 1 (Decision Day) to choose which school you’ll be attending in the fall and submit your deposit.

    may

    Consider campus expenses

    You’ve made the big choice, now come the smaller ones. It’s time to look at housing and meal plans. Compare your options to understand how they affect your cost of college.

    Turn work into scholarships

    Some jobs offer part-time employees access to scholarships or tuition assistance. Ask your employer about any tuition assistance programs that may be available to you.

    Check in with the financial aid office

    Double-check that the office has received all your financial aid documentation and that there are no outstanding items left to submit. 

    june

    Complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement

    If you plan to accept federal student loans, make sure you complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment. For more information, visit studentaid.gov.

    Sign up for direct deposit

    Most colleges issue financial aid and tuition refunds straight to your bank account. Enrolling in your school’s direct deposit process will ensure you receive your refunds quickly and safely.

    Get working

    Working a summer job will not only get your more work experience but it will also help you save money and pay for college expenses.

    july

    Compare private student loans

    Many families use private student loans to cover remaining college costs. Do your homework before selecting a student loan and lender.

    Get summer scholarships

    Continue to search for scholarships. The slow summer season might make it easier to find and receive more free money.

    Pay for your tuition bill

    Make sure to get your payment in before the due date if you haven’t already paid it.

    august

    Apply for a private student loan

     If you still need money to cover college costs, apply for a private student loan before tuition is due.

    Continue saving your hard-earned dollars

    It’s important to keep saving to help with any last-minute expenses you weren’t expecting.

    Pay your tuition bill

    Pay your tuition if you haven’t already. This is your last step before going to college. 

    september

    Talk finances with your family

    Talk with your family about college expenses, including what they plan to contribute. It can also be helpful to discuss loan repayment and cosigning. 

    Get ready for the FAFSA®

    The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available October 1. Colleges use it to award scholarships and financial aid on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gather tax information, asset records, Social Security numbers, and federal school codes.

    Search for scholarships

    Ask your guidance counselor for recommendations on where to find and apply for scholarships. Need help finding available scholarships? Try our free scholarship search tool.

    Go to a financial aid workshop

    Sign up for any college admissions planning or financial aid workshops your school offers. These events are helpful for parents and guardians, too.

    october

    Complete the FAFSA®

    Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so you don’t miss out on scholarships, grants, or other financial aid. October 1 is the first day you can file the FAFSA.

    Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)

    After you complete your FAFSA, you’ll receive your SAR. Review it carefully to make sure all the information from your FAFSA is correct.

    Complete the CSS Profile®

    Certain colleges and scholarship programs use the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for their aid dollars. Visit College Board for more details. 

    november

    Complete the FAFSA®

    Colleges use the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to award financial aid and do so on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, if you haven’t filled it out, don’t delay.

    Complete the CSS Profile®

    Certain colleges and scholarship programs use the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for their aid dollars. Visit College Board for more details.

    Find new scholarships

    It’s National Scholarship Month! If you need help finding available scholarships, try our free scholarship search tool.

    december

    Finish your FAFSA®

    Because funds are first come, first served, make sure you file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on scholarships, grants, or other financial aid. Check with your school’s financial aid office for deadlines.

    Check back with your family about paying for college

    College is a big financial commitment. Continue the money talk with your family and ask lots of questions to make sure you understand their contribution and your financial options.

    Apply for scholarships

    Found some scholarships that seem like a good fit? Send in your applications and keep the search going. If you need help finding more, try our free scholarship search tool.

    More

    Helpful articles

    See more in:

    College Costs

    Financial Aid

    College Loans

    What Does College Actually Cost?

    College Costs

    How much college really costs, and how to make the right choice for your budget

    Learn about what factors influence the cost of college and how they are broken down. See how your college decision might affect the annual costs.

    Read More

    Enter to win a $5,000 scholarship for college.

    Official Rules

    Enter Now

    College Costs

    Ten Ways to Reduce Tuition Costs

    These tips can help you reduce tuition costs. After maximizing free financial aid, learn how you can keep college tuition costs in check.

    College Costs

    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.

    Types of financial aid and college funding to consider before taking out student loans

    Financial Aid

    Types of financial aid and college funding to consider before taking out student loans

    Learn how to take advantage of different types of financial aid available, like scholarships and grants, to help pay for school before taking out student loans.

    Read More

    Financial Aid

    The Award Letter

    Award letters are sent from the schools where you are accepted and details how much financial aid you will receive. Discover Student Loans explains what to expect.

    What’s the difference between private and federal student loans?

    College Loans

    What’s the difference between private and federal student loans?

    How are federal and private student loans different? Read how interest rates, origination fees, and other factors differ with Discover Student Loans.

    Read More

    College Loans

    Understanding Student Loan Interest Rates

    Understanding student loan rates are important when evaluating student loans. Learn about differences between fixed interest rates and variable interest rates.

    DISCOVER and other trademarks, logos and service marks used on this site are the trademarks of Discover Financial Services or their respective third-party owners. Any third parties referenced are not affiliated with, and do not endorse, this site.

    Explore more categories

    College Prep

    Learn More

    Scholarships 

    Learn More

    College Life 

    Learn More

    For Parents 

    Learn More

    Helpful terms to know

    See more helpful terms

    Financial Aid Package

    The total amount of monetary assistance the student can receive including all grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans available from school, state, and federal programs, as listed in a college's financial aid award letter. It does not include private student loans.

    Private Student Loan

    A student loan that is not guaranteed by the federal government. This loan is offered by banks and other lenders to supplement other financial aid and help students meet the full cost of an education.

    Did You Know?

    Interested in private student loans?

    Learn More
    Scholarships

    Find College Scholarships

    Calculators

    Student Loan Calculators

    Tips and Advice

    Sign Up for Tips & Advice