In order to be effective in advising students about financial aid, most school counselors, college access professionals, and other mentors want at least a basic understanding of aid and the application process.
We've heard from many of you over the years that with a busy schedule and heavy case load, what you're looking for is a high-level grasp of financial aid concepts for yourself and a series of handouts, presentations, videos, and other resources that you can share with your students. Browse the pages below to find some general information, tips, and featured resources.
Preparing for College
It's never too early—or too late—for your students to explore options for college or career school. You can walk through some key steps in preparing for college and provide resources that can help them manage their money along the way.
Types of Aid and Eligibility
Help your students learn where financial aid comes from and what types of financial aid are available, including grants, loans, and work-study. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for federal student aid.
To apply for federal student aid, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®. Help your students understand that completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and gives them access to the largest source of college financial aid. Also get updates about the FAFSA and find FAFSA completion data.
Loan Repayment Basics
Get tips and resources to use in enhancing your students' understanding of federal student loan repayment options.