This guide provides a description of Federal Student Aid programs and the application process. Readers will find information on federal student aid as a source for funding postsecondary education, and know where to go for more detailed information. Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid speaks to high school students, college students, adults, and parents interested in finding out about financial aid from the federal government to help pay for education expenses at an eligible college, technical school, vocational school, or graduate school.

Finding the right college-from filling out applications to getting accepted-should be one of the most thrilling times of your life. But it won't be if you're still figuring out how to pay for it come Labor Day. Whether you're a graduating high-school senior, a parent making financial investments for your child's future, or an adult returning to school, The Everything Paying for College Book is a valuable resource that provides the information you need to face the challenge of college tuition. With appendices listing organizations and other resources, you'll find smart ways to save and find extra cash for books and class. The Everything Paying for College Book helps you learn about: The difference between loans and grants Conditional cash Options for long-term investing When and how to fill out the forms Qualification guidelines Whom you should approach for money Easily accessible and highly informative, The Everything Paying for College Book takes the mystery out of myriad money sources, where to find grants and loans, and how to fill out the endless paper trail of forms so that you can spend less time thinking about your finances and more time hitting the books!

Providing your children with a good education is one of the best gifts you can give. But it’s not straightforward. Education costs and student loan debt are skyrocketing. In some cases, college costs upwards of $300,000 for four years. And calculations for financial aid and merit awards are complex and opaque. How do you find the best education options that fit your budget and are absolutely right for your child? And how do you save for your kids’ college without wrecking your own retirement, or putting your other goals completely out of reach? Ann Garcia—known as The College Financial Lady—is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and college finance expert, and is here to help. In How to Pay for College, Ann shows you how to develop a financial plan for college that really works, including: How to save and how much to save. How to find good college choices that fit your budget. How to get scholarships and tax benefits. How to talk to your kids about the costs and benefits of going to college. Plus invaluable information and inside tricks to help you crack the college financial challenge. Detailed explanations of the key elements in planning for college—the FAFSA’s methodology, merit awards, 529 plans, AP credits, student loans, financial aid awards, budgeting, and more—are paired with worksheets and exercises to give you a full picture of your family’s college financial position. This definitive guide gives you everything you need to give your children the best education possible, at a price you can all afford.