Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA can unlock federal, state, school, and some private aid. Submit early because school and state deadlines may be much earlier than the federal deadline.
Use the 2026–27 FAFSA guide
Updated for the 2026–27 school year
Make a clearer plan for paying for college.
Start with grants and scholarships, understand your federal aid, and compare private borrowing only for the gap that remains.
- Federal-first borrowing guidance
- Mobile-friendly school and lender search
- No application fee from CollegeTuition.me
Private student loan comparison
See options available for your school
Enter your school and estimated funding gap. Before borrowing privately, submit the FAFSA and review grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans.
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Checking options here does not guarantee approval or a particular rate.
Use the lowest-cost money first
A practical order for covering college costs
Every situation is different, but this order helps many families limit unnecessary debt.
Use aid you do not repay
Compare grants and scholarships before accepting loans. The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2026–27 is $7,395, though individual awards vary.
Explore grantsBorrow carefully
Review federal loans before private loans. If a private loan is still needed, compare APR, repayment term, co-signer rules, hardship options, and total cost.
Read the student loan guide
Federal loan rates
2026–27 fixed interest rates
For Direct Loans first disbursed from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Undergraduate Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized
6.52%
Graduate or professional Direct Unsubsidized
8.07%
Direct PLUS
9.07%
Source: Federal Student Aid . Rates are fixed for the life of each loan, but new-loan rates change by award year.
Learn before you apply
Build your college financing plan
Financial aid
Understand grants, scholarships, work-study, loans, and how to compare aid offers.
Explore financial aid
Scholarships
Find legitimate opportunities, organize applications, and avoid scholarship scams.
Find scholarship guidance
Refinancing
See when refinancing may help—and what federal protections you can permanently lose.
Review refinancing