At a time when higher education is more important than ever, too many families are having trouble affording college tuition.  I've been meeting with students, parents, guidance counselors, and representatives from Delaware’s colleges and universities to better understand the cost of higher education, and identify ways of making it more affordable for average, hard-working Americans. 

- SHARE YOUR STORY -

I want to hear from you about your experience paying for college or your ideas about how to keep tuition low. To share your story with my office directly through my website, click here.

In the meantime, I’d like to share the below resources so that students and parents going through the process now have the information they need to make smart, informed decisions.

 

Click here to read about my legislation to cut college costs

 

College Financial Aid Resources

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
  • Other Internet sites (search terms student financial aid assistance)

Ask questions: counselors may know if you have exceptional circumstances that affect your eligibility.
Keep copies of all forms and correspondence: you must reapply for aid each year.
Parents: save for college before your child is ready to attend.

 

Beware of scholarship scams -- don't pay for free information!


Student aid and where it comes from:
Applying for Aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)


Federal Student Aid

Provides Loans, Grants and work-study programs.

Information from the U.S. Department of Education:


Government Loans


Scholarships/grants


Other grants, scholarships, and fellowships, mostly graduate level: search the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Beneficiary, such as "Student or Trainee" or "Graduate Student".

"Congressional" scholarships


Work study


For questions not covered by the Department of Education website, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.


Other Organizations
States offer residents a variety of scholarships, loans, and tuition exemptions.

  • Search your Internet browser under terms such as student financial aid or assistance AND Delaware.

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


Repaying your loans
After college, the federal government has ways to help you repay your loans. Eligibility depends upon the type of loan, when it was made, and whether it's in default.