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.
- Look for free money
- Apply for federal student loans
- 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.