Planning for College: Where to Start

Paying for college is less about one big decision and more about many small ones made in the right order. Families that start early tend to borrow less, qualify for more aid, and choose schools that fit their budget as well as their ambitions.

Start with the number you’ll actually owe

Sticker price and net price are rarely the same. The Student Aid Index (SAI) calculator gives you a realistic estimate of what your family will be expected to contribute, which is the starting point for every other decision — from which schools to apply to, to how much to borrow.

Cast a wide net on scholarships

Most families underestimate how much scholarship money is available and how much of it goes unclaimed each year. Scholarship search tools can surface awards tied to your field of study, your community, your employer, or your student’s extracurriculars — and applying is often faster than people expect.

Understand the loan options before you need them

Federal loans, private loans, and refinancing each have trade-offs in rates, repayment flexibility, and long-term cost. Walking through a loan navigator before you accept an offer lets you compare scenarios without pressure, so the eventual decision is the right one for your family.

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