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Constituent Services > Financial Aid

Financial Aid for Students

Looking ahead to college is exciting, but preparing to pay for it is a real challenge. With the cost of higher education soaring, it's critical to assess every possible kind of help.

This information was prepared by the Congressional Research Service to guide students through the process of locating and applying for financial aid. [March 2006]

    The basics: getting started
    Student aid and where it comes from
    Targeted aid for specific groups
    Repaying your loans

The basics: getting started

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Start gathering information early.

Free information is readily available from:
High school counselors
College and career school financial aid offices (where you plan to attend)
Local and college libraries
U.S. Department of Education Web page
Other Internet sites (search terms student financial aid OR assistance)

Ask questions: counselors may know if you have exceptional circumstances that affect your eligibility.

Be organized: use calendars to keep on track.

Keep copies of all forms and correspondence: you must reapply for aid each year.

Parents of students: save money long before your child attends college.
FinAid: for Parents
College Savings Plan Network (state "Section 529" plans)
Tax incentives for higher education expenses

Good overviews:
Cash for College
FinAid: The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
Financial Aid: You Can Afford It
Looking for Student Aid
Mapping Your Future
Paying for College

Beware of scholarship scams -- don't pay for free information!
Department of Education
Federal Trade Commission

Student aid and where it comes from

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Basic assistance categories:

  • Financial need-based
    Remember that students and their parents are responsible for paying what they can-- financial aid is a supplement, not a substitute, for family resources.
  • Non need-based
    Factors include academic excellence, ethnic background, or organization membership. Corporations may also offer assistance to employees and children.
Federal Student Aid: States offer residents a variety of scholarships, loans, and tuition exemptions.

Colleges and universities provide some 20% of aid, most need-based. Check university websites and the institution's financial aid office when you apply for admission.

Private foundations, corporations, and organizations offer scholarships or grants:

College Board Scholarship Search
FastWeb
Grants for Individuals
SRN Express

Targeted aid for special groups

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Interested in public service?

Federal assistance programs seek to encourage people to work in geographic areas or professions where there's a particular need (such as doctors in underserved areas); encourage underrepresented groups to enter a particular profession; and provide aid in exchange for services provided (such as military service).

Aid for private K-12 education: No direct federal assistance, check with schools themselves:

Repaying your loans

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After college, the federal government has ways to help you repay your loans.

States and some private employers provide help in repaying loans in exchange for certain types of public service.
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