Federal Aid Resources
Understanding the FAFSA
A step-by-step breakdown of what FAFSA collects, how it calculates your Student Aid Index, and what that number means for your aid package.
Pell Grant eligibility explained
Who qualifies, how award amounts are calculated, how enrollment intensity affects the grant, and what to do if your circumstances change.
Subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans
The practical difference between these two federal loan types — including when interest starts accruing and how repayment works after graduation.
State & Institutional Aid
State grant program overview
How to identify your state's grant programs, residency requirements, enrollment requirements, and how to apply alongside your federal FAFSA filing.
Reading your institutional award letter
What each line item in a school award letter actually means, how to compare offers across multiple schools, and what questions to ask the aid office.
Aid for certificate and trade programs
Education funding is not limited to four-year degrees. This guide covers eligibility and options for vocational, certificate, and two-year programs.
Planning & Preparation
Pre-application checklist
Documents and information to gather before you begin any formal aid application — so you are prepared when deadlines arrive.
Questions to ask your financial aid office
The specific questions that help you understand your full cost of attendance, compare offers, and advocate for the best possible aid package.
Graduate and professional student aid
How federal aid, fellowships, research assistantships, and institutional grants differ at the graduate and professional school level.