How to Pay for Education

Can you afford the education you need to achieve your goals? Start planning now to pay for college or job training.

Have you thought about going back to school after earning your GED? You have many options for more education and job training. Most of these options cost money.

When planning for college or training, begin by saving as much money as you can. Then look for help to pay for school. Your school's financial aid office can help.

What are your financial aid choices?

Financial aid is money that helps you pay for school or training. Most students get money from one or more type of financial aid. This aid is used to pay for your tuition, books, or other costs.

• Grants and scholarships are awards you don't have to pay back. Grants mostly come from the government, such as the Federal Pell Grant.
• Scholarships can come from a school, community group, business, or the government. Some scholarships are for people who don't have much money. Others are for people who are good at sports, have good grades, or a special talent or belong to certain groups.
• A loan is money you borrow. You have to pay back a loan with interest. There are many kinds of loans. Each has a different interest rate and rules. Some well-know loans are the Stafford, Perkins, PLUS, and SELF.
• Work-study is a job offered through the school. It helps you earn money to pay for your education.