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Financial Aid

The sticker price is a fiction. Here's what you actually pay.

FAFSA is not optional and most families fill it out wrong. Start here before you look at a single school's price tag.

Start here

How to Fill Out the FAFSA Step by Step

Follow this step-by-step walkthrough to fill out the FAFSA correctly, avoid common errors, and submit your application before key deadlines.

Start with FAFSA

Your step-by-step path

Follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last.

1
File FAFSAThe non-negotiable first step — even if you think you won't qualify.
2
Estimate real costUse our calculator to see what you'll actually pay after aid.
3
Find scholarshipsFree money you don't repay. Start early and apply often.
4
Compare aid offersSide-by-side your award letters so you compare apples to apples.
5
Calculate loansOnly borrow what's left after grants and scholarships.
Free tool

College Cost Estimator

Estimate the real cost of any college after grants, scholarships, and loans — not just the sticker price.

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Browse by topic

FAFSA & Aid Basics

How to fill out FAFSA correctly and understand your aid package.

Scholarships

Where to find free money and how to write winning applications.

Loans & Repayment

What to borrow, how repayment works, and smarter ways to pay.

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