General Resources
Useful Links
U.S. Department of Education Website
Your source for free information from the US Department of Education on preparing for and funding education beyond high school.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Everything you need to know about filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is required by all colleges that give federal grants, scholarships, or loans. The FAFSA can be filed beginning on January first for the academic year that begins the following September.
The FAFSA PIN
How students and parents get a PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is the first step to filing a FAFSA on the Web.
Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid
This documentis a comprehensive resource about grants, loans and work study from the U.S. Department of Education. Available in both English and Spanish (1-800-4FEDAID).
College is Possible
From the American Council on Education, this site offers resources for high school students about preparing for, choosing and applying to colleges and then financing that education.
MEFA
A non-profit self-financing state authority that serves students and families in Massachusetts, and out-of-state students and families pursuing higher education in Massachusetts. This website provides excellent resources about the college search and financial aid processes as well as sources for loans.
U.S. Department of Education Financial Aid
Information from the U.S. Department of Education about receiving their grants, finding financial aid in general, and managing student loans.
National Student Loan Data System (NLDS)
The National Student Loan Data System provides a comprehensive summary for students of all their existing federal student loans.
Fastweb Scholarship Search
Fastweb is the most comprehensive on-line source of information about college scholarships.
The “SmartStudent” Guide to Financial Aid
Information about paying for college: how to find and access loans and scholarships. Sponsored by an education lender.
College Value
Compare colleges to see which ones are the best value for you, based on the net price calculator, graduation rates and loan default information
Avoid Scholarship Scams
How to avoid scholarship scams.
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program
Scholarship assistance for undergraduate study abroad programs for Pell-eligible students.
For graduate studies
The Evalee Schwarz Trust
Interest-free loans for graduate studies.