On this page:
- How much you can borrow in student loans
- Federal loans vs. private loans
- Scholarship America
- College Scholarships.org
- Special scholarship resources for minority students
- How to avoid scholarship scams
- The Personal Side of Student Debt
- State Tuition Exchanges
- Grant and scholarship programs for undocumented students
- Simple Student Loan Calculator
- Detailed Student Loan Calculator
Please note: Although the College Money Matters Team has found the information on the sites listed here to be useful, we do not endorse these or any sites from any organization. Also, we have not verified the content. Please be aware that there are always assumptions and flaws in any statistics and information that are gathered by any researcher.
How much you can borrow in student loans
This link shows you the maximum you can borrow in Federal student loans each year that you're in college.
Federal loans vs. private loans
A useful article that outlines the basic differences between these two types of student loan options, and why one may be much affordable than the other.
Scholarship America
Search for scholarships you may qualify for on this site, from the source that has connected more students to more dollars than any other private scholarship provider.
College Scholarships.org
A less well known, but reputable site to search for scholarships, this site also includes resources like sample thank you notes and essay topics
Special scholarship resources for minority students
Here is the link to the United Negro College Fund scholarship site. Check through the many scholarships on this site and others to see if you meet the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
How to avoid scholarship scams
You should never have to pay for access to scholarship information or to fill out other financial aid forms. They are all free. This article provides advice from the Federal Trade Commission on how to protect yourself from scammers who tell you they’ll help you get financial aid or scholarships, when their goal is to get your money or steal your personal information.
The Personal Side of Student Debt
This article from The Atlantic magazine profiles the impact of student loan debt on the lives of students at the University of Alabama.
State Tuition Exchanges
This site provides information on “State Tuition Exchanges,” which let you attend college in a nearby state without having to pay the higher tuition costs you’d usually have to pay if your home residence is outside that state.
Grant and scholarship programs for undocumented students
This site covers grant and scholarship programs for undocumented students. As always, review any program carefully before applying.
Simple Student Loan Calculator
This calculator will help you estimate what a loan of any amount will cost you over time. But remember, each year that you're in college can mean another loan – and a different interest rate, too. So do the math for one year and four years.
Detailed Student Loan Calculator
This link takes you to a calculator on FinAid.org, a site run by recognized FAFSA expert, Mark Kantrowitz. Please note: the information you provide on the FinAid site may be used for marketing purposes.