Extra Help: College Admissions

High School Juniors: Start Planning to Finance College

With summer around the corner, soon-to-be high school seniors should start thinking about how to finance their postsecondary education – if they plan to attend college. Talk as a family or with a school counselor about potential financial aid options, which cover expenses like tuition, housing and meal plans.

The process of obtaining aid can be complicated, so experts advise high school students be aware of deadlines and apply early. Teens can start looking at available scholarships online, but should avoid giving out personal information and paying fees to third parties.

Happy Tuesday!

--Sarah Wood, education reporter

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Financial aid is any form of funding that helps a student pay for college, such as a Pell Grant or merit-based scholarship. Here are a few answers to common financial aid questions.

Before grandparents open a 529 plan for their grandchild, they should consider the financial aid and tax implications.

Degree-seeking students learning online can be eligible for financial aid like scholarships, loans and work-study. Here’s what to know about paying for college as a distance learner.

Deciding whether your teen should take out student loans to fund a technical education begins with determining the school and program.

Enter your preferences and profile information here, and we'll show you a personalized ranking of which schools are the best fit for you. You can also sign in to your free U.S. News account to see how you stack up against applicants across the country with our College Admissions Calculator.

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