Finding Financial Aid
Believe it or not, applying for Federal Financial Aid isn’t hard. Visit Federal Student Aid and start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a simple form. Yes, it takes time, but you can save your progress along the way. Just be sure to start yours shortly after October 1 of the year before you plan to attend college. That’s because the money available for grants and financial aid is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Should You Use Student Loans
Most families and students require some form of student loan for college. But that doesn’t mean you need to max out and incur life-altering debt either. When you apply for financial aid, you will be offered several types of student loans, including Direct Subsidized Loans (for those with proven financial need), Direct Unsubsidized Loans (interest accrues while in school), and Direct PLUS Loans (with this one your parents co-sign).
So, what about co-signing for a student loan? Yes, that can help your student afford college, but you will be liable to pay back the loan if they are unable to make the payments.
Free Money is Available
There are a lot of federal and state programs that offer scholarships. The U.S. government has put together a site that can help you find thousands of them, click to start your search.
While looking for scholarships, don’t forget to apply for the InRoads Digital Scholarship.