Higher Education Tools
Wanting to apply for federal student aid? Looking for scholarships? Trying to decide on a career? The sites below provide the information you are seeking to assist you in your education beyond high school.
Apply for Federal Student Aid
You must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM) to apply for federal student aid and most state and college aid. FAFSA on the WebSM is the quickest and easiest method of applying.
More Info…
PDF FAFSA
You have the option of applying for federal student aid by completing a PDF form of the FAFSA. The PDF FAFSA is available for you to print and fill out manually or is screen-fillable.
More Info…
Completing the FAFSA
If you’re not sure how to answer a question on the FAFSA form and/or you’re wondering, “Why do they ask that?,” or saying, “My family situation is different, now what do I do?”, Completing the FAFSA explores the purpose of FAFSA questions and discusses how information should be reported in some unusual cases.
More Info…
Apply for a PIN
We recommend that students and parents request a personal identification number (PIN) before applying for aid. The PIN can be used to electronically sign your FAFSA application, dramatically decreasing the processing time. You can also use your PIN to make online corrections to your FAFSA, access your Student Aid Report, sign the master promissory note for a federal student loan and access your federal student aid records online including your student loan history information on National Student Loan Data SystemSM (NSLDSSM).
More Info…
FAFSA4caster
If you want to begin exploring your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid process, FAFSA4casterSM is for you! By using FAFSA4caster, you and your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid. When youre ready to apply for aid, much of the information that you enter in the FAFSA4caster will populate your FAFSA on the Web application, making the experience of applying for federal student aid a lot easier.
More Info…
FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
Over 90% of the FAFSA applications are submitted online. The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is designed for those who prefer to write down information before applying online. The Worksheet includes a list of documents needed to complete the FAFSA and shows the FAFSA questions in the order as they appear online.
More Info…
FAFSA Demo Site
This Web site is a demonstration version of the FAFSA on the Web, Corrections on the Web, and Student Access. It offers all the features of the production versions, except that no data is processed. At the site you learn to complete a sample FAFSA, make corrections, check the status of the FAFSA and electronically sign the FAFSA.
More Info…
StudentLoans.gov
The U.S. Department of Education’s StudentLoans.gov Web site provides information on managing your student loans, such as, – view your loan documents, sign Master Promissory Note, entrance counseling and complete PLUS request process.
More Info…
Scholarship Search
A scholarship is money for college that you will not be expected to repay. Colleges, businesses and other organizations sponsor scholarships. Use this free scholarship search for finding scholarships that you may qualify for.
More Info…
Career Information
CareerOneStop Web site (sponsered by the U.S. Department of Labor) features user-friendly occupation and industry information, salary data, career videos, education resources, career exploration assistance, and other resources, such as the new ReEmployment portal, that support talent development in today’s fast paced global marketplace.
More Info…
Publications
The Publications section provides access to a wealth of free publications and application tools to assist you as you pursue education beyond high school. You will find guides, brochures and fact sheets such as College Preparation Checklist, Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, Completing the FAFSA, Federal School Code List, Choosing a Career and Don’t Get Scammed on Your Way to College.
More Info…
Federal Student Aid Forms
The Federal Student Aid Forms section has information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing options, deadlines for applying, a sample paper FAFSA, FAFSA on the Web Worksheet, and student loan deferment and forbearance forms.
More Info…
National Student Loan Data System
The National Student Loan Data SystemSM (NSLDSSM) is the U.S. Department of Education’s central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan, Pell Grant, and other Department of Education programs. At NSLDS Student Access, aid recipients can view information on their loans and grants.
More Info…
Repayment Plans and Calculators
The FFELSM and Direct Loan Programs provide you with a choice of repayment plans. How much you pay and how long you take to repay your loans will vary depending on the repayment plan you choose. The Repayment Plans and Calculators page provides information on the various repayment plans and calculators for estimating your repayment amount under each plan.
More Info…
Audio and Video Programs About Federal Student Aid
What types of aid are available? How do you get a PIN? What’s the difference between an Academic Competitiveness Grant and a National SMART Grant? Learn more about federal student aid by watching or listening to these informational programs.
More Info…