Paying Tuition and Other Costs

Regardless of which college or career school you choose, you'll probably need help paying for your tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. You're probably wondering how you're going to pay for these things. As we mentioned, the Department of Education offers a variety of student financial aid programs, if you qualify.

So, how can the U.S. Department of Education help me pay for school?

Federal student aid includes grants, work-study, and loans. You don't have to pay back grants. Work-study allows you to earn money for your education, and loans allow you to borrow money for school. You'll have to repay any money you borrow. See the sections on Pell Grants, Campus-Based Programs, FFEL and Direct Loans, PLUS loans and the questions for more detailed information on the federal student aid programs.

You can learn about state programs by contacting your state department of education, and you can learn about other programs by checking with your high school counselor or the college or career school you plan to attend. You also might want to use a search engine on the Web with a key phrase such as "financial aid," "student aid," or "scholarships." Or, check the reference section of your local library under those same phrases.

What about scholarship search services that contact me?

Many private scholarship search services provide lists of sources of financial assistance for which you may apply. You should be aware that we do not evaluate private scholarship search services. If you decide to use one of these services, you may check its reputation by contacting the Better Business Bureau or a state attorney general's office.

How can I tell these search services aren’t scams? Are there any signs I should look for?

• “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
• “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
• “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
• “We’ll do all the work.”
• “The scholarship will cost some money."
• “You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship” or “You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.
  

Be careful when searching for information on student financial assistance. Make sure information and offers are legitimate. Don’t fall prey to fraud.

To file a complaint or for free information call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or visit www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams