How to Get the Most Financial Aid for College

I'm a junior right now and starting to think about college applications. I already know I'll be needing financial aid. What're the keys to getting the most money for college?

Firstly, apply for financial aid as early as possible. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which becomes available on October 1st of your senior year. Also, use the net price calculators available on each college's website to get an estimate of the cost and the financial aid you might receive.

Second, do not limit yourself to only one type of aid. Federal aid can include grants (which do not have to be repaid), low-interest loans (which do have to be repaid), and work-study opportunities (where you work and earn money for your education). Many colleges also offer grants and scholarships.

Scholarships can be particularly valuable because they also do not have to be repaid. Use platforms like FastWeb or Scholarship.com to find opportunities that match your profile. Look for scholarships locally, too. Your high school counselor can be a great resource for this.

Also, remember Merit-based scholarships. Some schools offer merit aid to students with impressive academic or extracurricular achievements.

Lastly, consider the cost of attending each college carefully. Some colleges might offer more aid but also have a higher total price tag. Always take a comprehensive look at costs, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and textbooks, when calculating the actual cost of attending a particular college.

Remember, every little bit of aid counts, so apply the same attention to detail you used in your college applications to seeking and applying for financial aid.