Funding Your Education 1997-98

Paying Tuition and Other Costs

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Should I use a scholarship search service?

What kind of financial aid does the Department of Education offer?

Regardless of which college or career school you choose, you'll probably need help paying for your tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. You're probably wondering how you're going to pay for these things.

To help you and other students, the U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of student financial aid programs. You can find out about many sources of student financial aid for free. This publication describes the Department's student financial assistance programs.

You can learn about state programs by contacting your state department of education, and you can learn about other programs by checking with your high school counselor or the college or career school you plan to attend. Again, you also might want to visit your local library. Check the reference section under "financial aid," "student aid," or "scholarships."

Should I use a scholarship search service?

There are many private scholarship search services that provide lists of "sources" of financial assistance you may apply for. You should be aware that the Department does not evaluate private scholarship search services. If you decide to use one of these services, you may check its reputation by contacting the Better Business Bureau or a State Attorney General's Office.

What kind of financial aid does the Department of Education offer?

Federal student aid includes grants, work-study, and loans. You don't have to pay back grants. Work-study allows you to earn money, and loans allow you to borrow money for school. You'll have to repay any money you borrow. See "Applying for Financial Aid" for information on applying for federal student aid and on applicable deadlines.

Education after High School | Federal Pell Grants