Paying for college without unnecessary debt

Three first steps

1. Estimate federal aid before you apply.
2. Compare two offers by net price, not by size of the scholarship.
3. Learn the difference between a grant, a scholarship and a loan.

The resources

• CFPB Comparing Financial Aid Offers

  Comparative case study using three fictional college offer letters.

  FreeActivity

• CFPB Paying for College Activity Filter

  Browse education cost, financial aid and borrowing activities.

  FreeGuide & reference

• CFPB Planning Financial Path to Graduation

  Use a modeled aid offer to build a college-cost strategy.

  FreeActivity

• FAFSA Official Portal

  Apply for federal financial aid via the government website.

  FreeGuide & reference

  Personal information required for real applications.

• Federal Student Aid Estimator

  Estimate federal student aid eligibility before completing the FAFSA.

  FreeCalculator

  Use for applicable award year, not a substitute for FAFSA.

• Federal Student Aid Repayment Calculator

  Compare estimated loan payments and total repayment costs.

  FreeCalculator

• FTC Scholarship Fraud Prevention

  Official tips for avoiding false promises and upfront-fee scholarship offers.

  FreeGuide & reference

• NGPF PAYBACK College Simulation

  Play the consequences of college choice, debt, housing and spending choices.

  FreeGame & simulation

  Select PAYBACK in Arcade.

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