Topic: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal vs. Private Student Loans
A common question we're asked is, "Should I use federal or private student loans to pay for school?" Our response is: Always get federal student loans first, and find private student loans to fill any remaining gaps in funding. So,… More »
Demystifying the FAFSA
By John Whelan, Sophomore at Tufts University
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA. You might have seen that odd-looking, strange-sounding acronym before, somewhere during your planning-for-college process. Perhaps you heard your parents discussing it, and at the very mention of a form you shut your ears off.… More »
Analyzing Your Student Aid Report
Once you file your FAFSA, you’ll soon receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). In your SAR, you will find summarized data outlining your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) towards your total cost of education. Read on for tips on what to expect from… More »
EFC stands for…? Know your acronyms.
College on the Cheap’s street team did another round of interviews, and asked students if they knew what EFC stands for in financial aid terms. Not surprisingly, none of them got it –… More »
Financial Aid Articles
Information on student loans, financial aid, and planning for and managing college expenses.
From how to save for the cost of a college education to consolidating your student loans, you’ll find many resources here on all aspects of paying for college.… More »
Grants and financial aid
This will give you an overview of the different types of grants available, including Federal Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, SMART Grants, and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants.
Federal and State Grants and Scholarships
The government gives away a lot… More »
Financial aid: all about the FAFSA and the CSS Profile
Financial aid consultant Paul Wrubel explains the FAFSA and the CSS Profile forms.
You filed the FAFSA, but… do you know what it stands for?
College on the Cheap’s street team went out again and interviewed college students, this time asking them what FAFSA stands for. For those of you who don’t know, the FAFSA is the most… More »
What information do I need to apply for a loan?
In order to complete an application for a private student loan with most lenders, you will need the following information:
Your full name, social security number and date of birth
Your permanent address and the number of years you have… More »
Do I have to file the FAFSA before I apply for a private education loan?
No, you are not required to file a FAFSA before applying for a private loan. However, you should exhaust other forms of aid, such as federally guaranteed Stafford loans, before taking out a private loan.
