Plan and pay for school

Need help balancing costs between parent and student loans? Calculating which schools are affordable? Exploring alternatives to student loans? Paying for college can be as easy as 1-2-3!

Sallie Mae Education Trust helps families see all the options available to them.

Paying for college and understanding financial aid can be confusing. That's why we developed a simple, money-saving 1-2-3 approach to help you.

  1. Look for free money
  2. Apply for federal student loans
  3. Fill the gap with private student loans

Look for free money

The first step is to search for funds that don't have to be paid back like scholarships, grants, and gift aid.

Sallie Mae's College Answer® offers registered users exclusive access to one of the most comprehensive free scholarship searches on the web.

Apply for federal student loans

Students and parents should always maximize federal student loans before looking into private funding. Federal loans generally have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options.

See what federal student loan options you have. To apply for federal money, you must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Fill the gap with private student loans

After both parents and students have exhausted federal funding, private student loans can help fill any funding gaps. See what private student loan options you have.


Free money

Sallie Mae’s College Answer is a great scholarship resource.

Use our online tools — calculators, glossary, and analyzers — and searches — scholarships, applications, and degree programs — to discover how affordable and rewarding higher education can be.

Paying for college guide

Download the College Financing Guide (PDF, 7.75MB), and learn how to
• estimate college expenses,
• navigate the financial aid process,
• become a knowledgeable consumer of financing alternatives, and
• manage the repayment of student loans.


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