Pay for College

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✦Class of 2025! Apply to Colleges to Qualify for a $40K Scholarship✦

How to Pay for College

Watch this video to see what we have to offer you to help you pay for college through scholarships, aid, loans, and more.

BigFuture Pay for College

How to Prepare

The FAFSA Essentials

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now open to all students. Here are some essential resources to help you complete your application. 

Start Your FAFSA Application

Applying for the FAFSA is the most vital step to receiving federal aid. Federal Student Aid provides information about the application, federal and state deadlines, and frequently asked questions to assist in completing your application. 

Start Application

Who counts as a parent on the FAFSA form?

Unsure if you need to ask your parent(s) to provide information on the FAFSA? Use this tool to determine which parent(s) should participate.

Use Tool

Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA Videos

Updated videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA form, who is a FAFSA contributor, and what happens after submitting the form.

Watch Now
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Your Chance to Win $40,000

See what steps you can take this month to earn a chance to win our BigFuture Scholarships. Students just like you win every month!

Earn Entries Now

  1. January 2023 Winner

    Allison F., Class of ’24, Nacogdoches, TX, Central Heigh High School

  2. February 2023 Winner

    Pascal G., Class of ’24, Houston, TX, Willowridge High School

  3. March 2023 Winner

    Aleena T., Class of ’24, Lansdale, PA, North Penn High School

  4. April 2023 Winner

    Isaac E., Class of ’24, Grayslake, IL, Grayslake Central High School

  5. January 2023 Winner

    Amira H., Class of ’25, Philadelphia, PA, Franklin Learning Center

  6. March 2023 Winner

    Arielle J., Class of ’25, Ontario, CA, Chaffey High School

  7. April 2023 Winner

    Sarah B., Class of ’25, Appleton, WI, Wisconsin Connections Academy

How to Afford College

Cost is the number one concern for most families. Learn about the many ways to make college more affordable.

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Financial Aid

Many students use financial aid to cover college costs. Find out what financial aid is, where it comes from, and how you can apply.

Learn about Financial Aid

Student Loans

Should you consider student loans? Borrowing money for your college can be a smart move if you have a strategy.

Learn about Loans
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FAFSA

To apply for federal financial aid, you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Find out how to complete the form.

Learn about FAFSA

✦ RSVP for Upcoming Virtual Events to Help You Plan for College ✦

Calculate the Cost of College

These calculators can help you estimate what college might cost your family and how much you might expect to pay after aid.

Calculate Your Cost