College is expensive, but there is often financial assistance available to help students and families be able afford college. Before deciding not to go to college because you think it's too expensive, get the facts about applying for Federal Student Aid as well as scholarships that may be available. Most colleges require the student and their family complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for university- or privately-sponsored scholarships.

Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the nation's largest provider of student financial aid. The Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds yearly to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school. 

 

Students and families interested in applying for federal student aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is done online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

 

A note of caution: Some companies offer to complete your FAFSA for you for a fee (sometimes a very high fee). Before paying for someone else to complete your FAFSA, try it yourself; it isn't complicated.