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Easy guide: How to pay for school

Still figuring out how to pay for college?

You're not behind, and you're not the only one. Start by finalizing the amount you need for school, then complete the rest of the checklist.

Show Me the Checklist
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Start wherever you’re stuck

Let’s figure it out together. Use the resources below to get started.

  • School Payment Checklist

    School Payment Checklist

    Just 7 steps! We break things down to help you create your plan.

    Read it Now
  • Questions for Financial Aid Offices

    Questions for Financial Aid Offices

    What to ask, and how to ask it. Get the answers you need from your school's Financial Aid Officers.

    Read it Now
  • Student Loan Calculator

    Student Loan Calculator

    Estimate your monthly payments and total costs on a student loan for college. Get a breakdown of how options like your loan term, interest rate, and repayment plan change your payments and costs.

    Try it Now
  • College Cost & Value Calculator

    College Cost & Value Calculator

    See what the long-term return on your college investment could be. Select a school and major to estimate how much money you can expect to earn the first year after graduation.

    Try it Now
  • Webinar Replay: Back to School Budget

    Webinar Replay: Back to School Budget

    Get guidance from real experts. Watch on your own schedule.

    Watch it Now
  • Estimate Grad School Costs

    Estimate Grad School Costs

    See how changes to federal Grad PLUS loans could affect how much you'll need to pay for grad school.

    Try it Now

School payment checklist

Work from top to bottom. Explore your free and low-cost options first.

A young blonde female student concentrating and studying on a laptop at a library desk with notebooks and papers.

  • 1. Confirm Costs

    Confirm the amount you still need to cover, including tuition and expenses. If you have questions, contact your college’s financial aid office.

  • 2. Know Your Deadlines

    Make sure you understand deadlines for enrollment, payment, and registration.

  • 3. Find Scholarships

    Explore your remaining scholarship opportunities.

  • 4. Check for Assistance

    Check for alternative assistance like employer tuition assistance benefits.

  • 5. Explore Payment Plans

    Review your school’s payment plan options.  

  • 6. Consider Loans

    Consider your federal and private student loan options. Many lenders allow you to check your rate without affecting your credit.

  • 7. Compare Options

    Create a plan to cover any remaining costs. Compare your options side-by-side.

Questions for your school’s financial aid office

Here are some questions to start the conversation.

  • Is my financial aid file complete, or are you waiting on anything from me?
  • Is all of my aid finalized and reflected in my account?
  • Am I eligible for any aid I haven’t accepted yet?
  • Are there scholarships I can still apply for?
  • What is my remaining balance after all aid is applied, and when is it due?
  • Can my aid package be reviewed?
  • Are emergency funds available?
  • What payment plans do you offer?
  • What are my payment deadlines?
  • What happens if I can't pay by the due date?
  • Are there additional options for covering remaining costs?

Ways to pay for school 

Many students use more than one option instead of a single solution. The goal is to understand what's available and build a plan that works for you.

Grants & Scholarships

Option

Grants & scholarships

What it means

Money that typically doesn't need to be repaid.

Good fit if...

Everyone. This is usually the first place to look.

Things to know

Some opportunities have application or enrollment deadlines.

School Payment Plan

Option

School payment plan

What it means

Lets you spread costs into smaller monthly payments.

Good fit if...

You can cover costs over time instead of all at once.

Things to know

Missing payments may affect your registration status.

Federal Student Loans

Option

Federal student loans

What it means

Student loans offered through the federal government.

Good fit if...

Many students start here before exploring other borrowing options.

Things to know

Annual borrowing limits may not cover all education costs.

Parent PLUS Loans

Option

Parent PLUS loans

What it means

Federal loans that a parent can borrow on behalf of a student.

Good fit if...

A parent wants to help cover remaining costs.

Things to know

Approval requirements apply and the loan is the parent's responsibility.

Private Student Loans

Option

Private student loans

What it means

Loans from banks, credit unions, and other lenders.

Good fit if...

You've explored scholarships, payment plans, and federal aid but still need help covering costs.

Things to know

Compare rates, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements.

Work-Study or Campus Job

Option

Work-study or campus job

What it means

Earn money while attending school.

Good fit if...

You want help with ongoing expenses during the semester.

Things to know

Earnings come in over time and may not help with immediate tuition deadlines.

Start with these two steps now

If you only have time to check two things off your list, start here.

  • 1

    Find out what you still need to cover

    Use the calculator to get a clearer picture of your remaining school costs.

  • 2

    Learn about the ways to pay for school

    See what options may be available to you and how they could fit into your plan.