College Financial Aid by State

Scholarships, college savings plans, free tuition, student debt forgiveness, tax information and key deadlines where you live or attend school.

States With Free College Programs

A roundup of state-sponsored, tuition-free college scholarship programs.

by Anna Helhoski, Colin Beresford

States That Will Pay Off Your Student Loans

by Chanell Alexander

Direct Admissions: How to Get Into College Without Applying

by Eliza Haverstock

What Is In-State Tuition For College?

by Kat Tretina, Eliza Haverstock

The latest news on the 2025-26 FAFSA

» MORE: Key FAFSA deadlines and dates

Ready to submit your FAFSA?

Head to FAFSA.gov, where you'll be able to create your FSA ID. You'll need your Social Security number and your own email address. The new form is shorter and designed to take less time: some say as little as 10 minutes, though budget more time if it's your first go or you are completing forms for more than one student.

Answer the FAFSA questions with help from our guide

How you fill out the FAFSA depends on your family circumstances. NerdWallet's guide has tips on what financial information to provide based on your situation, and where to get additional help if you need it. Choose the option below that best applies to you for guidance on how to answer each question on the FAFSA.

Family structure (dependent students):

Family structure (independent students):

Immigration status:

When can I update my FAFSA application?

The FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year is available at FAFSA.gov.

You can still submit the 2024-25 FAFSA until June 30, 2025.

Not sure if college is right for you?

A traditional four-year college seems like the default next step for high school graduates, whether

Financial aid programs by state

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in California

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Texas

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Washington State

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Florida

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Tennessee

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Utah

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Massachusetts

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in New Hampshire

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in West Virginia

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Kansas

Kansas has one of the lowest costs of living in the country, and that lower cost is reflected in its college tuition prices.

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in New Jersey

New Jersey offers some of the highest financial aid award amounts per student in the country.

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's offers fewer financial aid options that other states, but it's graduates have less debt.

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota has relatively low costs for higher education and several aid programs for even more affordability.

NerdWallet’s Guide to Financial Aid Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota awarded $214.4 million in financial aid — not including loans — to students in 2023.

Explore other NerdWallet guides and tools

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

How to pay for your college education

Learn how to qualify for as much aid as possible.

PAYING FOR GRAD SCHOOL

Graduate and professional school

Find guidance on affordability and loan forgiveness.

REPAYING STUDENT DEBT

Select your student loan repayment plan

Learn about income-driven repayment.

Explore 529 College Savings Plans

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS

Benefits and List of 529 Plans By State

Learn what a 529 is and compare plans.

529 PLAN RULES

Deductions and Distribution Guidelines

Know and follow the plan rules for distributions.

529 PLAN VS. ROTH IRA:

Which Is Best For College Savings?

There's two tax-smart ways to save on college costs.