Financial Aid Hub

A tax-advantaged savings plan for education. Contributions grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free. Start as early as possible — even small monthly contributions compound over 15+ years.

• ▸Open a 529 plan as early as possible — time is your biggest ally
• ▸Many states offer tax deductions for 529 contributions
• ▸Funds can be used for K-12 tuition (up to $10k/year), college, and student loans
• ▸Anyone can contribute — grandparents, relatives, friends

Scholarships are free money — you don't pay them back. Start searching early (9th–10th grade) and apply consistently. Local and niche scholarships have less competition than national ones.

• ▸Start searching in 9th–10th grade — many deadlines are early senior year
• ▸Apply for local scholarships (community, Rotary, Elks) — less competition
• ▸Track deadlines and requirements in a spreadsheet
• ▸Write one strong personal essay you can adapt for multiple applications
• ▸Never pay for scholarship search services — they're scams

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required to receive federal, state, and most institutional financial aid. Opens December 1 each year. Submit as early as possible — some aid is first-come, first-served.

• ▸Submit as early as possible after December 1
• ▸You need an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) to sign — create it ahead of time
• ▸Use prior-prior year tax information
• ▸List all colleges you're considering, even if you haven't applied yet
• ▸Complete it every year you're in college, not just senior year

An additional financial aid application required by ~200 selective private colleges. More detailed than FAFSA — asks about home equity, non-custodial parent income, and other assets the FAFSA doesn't cover.

• ▸Check if your colleges require it — not all do
• ▸It opens October 1 (earlier than FAFSA)
• ▸There's a fee, but fee waivers are available for low-income families
• ▸Have your tax documents and asset information ready

Don't just look at total aid — compare NET COST. School A offering $40k aid at a $70k school still costs you $30k. School B offering $25k at a $40k school costs you $15k. School B is cheaper despite less aid.

• ▸Calculate net cost for each school: Cost of Attendance − Grants & Scholarships
• ▸Distinguish grants (free) from loans (borrowed) in aid packages
• ▸Compare loan terms — interest rates, fees, repayment options
• ▸Factor in indirect costs: travel, books, personal expenses
• ▸Use each school's Net Price Calculator for the most accurate estimate

Not all loans are equal. Federal student loans typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Understand what you're borrowing before you sign.

• ▸Prioritize federal loans over private loans — better terms and protections
• ▸Subsidized loans: government pays interest while you're in school (need-based)
• ▸Unsubsidized loans: interest accrues from day one (not need-based)
• ▸Only borrow what you truly need — you don't have to accept the full amount offered
• ▸Understand the total repayment cost, not just the monthly payment