Filling Out the FAFSA: My Parent Has Died
You don’t need to report your deceased parent’s income on the FAFSA, but you do need to report your living parent's income.
Filling Out the FAFSA: My Parents are Divorced or Separated
If your parents are divorced, the parent who provided the most financial support in the last year will contribute to your FAFSA.
Filling Out the FAFSA: My Parents Are Married
If your parents are married and file taxes jointly, only one of them needs to contribute to your FAFSA.
Student Loan Deferment vs. Forbearance: Which Payment Pause Is Better?
If you qualify for deferment, it’s a better option than forbearance — but neither is an ideal long-term solution. New limits will begin in 2027.
Veterans: 5 Ways to Maximize Your GI Bill Benefits
Vets can maximize their GI Bill benefits by picking the right class schedule and school and filling out the FAFSA.
Should I Refinance My Home to Pay Off Student Loans?
You may be better off refinancing student loans separately rather than rolling them into your mortgage.
How to Pay for Grad School in 2026
When paying for grad school, take advantage of money you don’t have to repay before turning to loans.
What to Do If You’re Selected for FAFSA Verification
Fewer students will be selected for FAFSA verification in 2024-25.
How To Get Loan Forgiveness if Your School Closes
You may qualify for a closed school loan discharge if your college closes while you're attending or soon after. But, if you can get on a “teach-out plan,” think twice before pursuing loan discharge.
What Is the Federal Student Aid Estimator?
The tool formerly known as the FAFSA4caster can estimate how much federal financial aid you might get for college.
CSS Profile vs. FAFSA: How Are They Different?
All schools accept the FAFSA for federal aid, but only some accept the CSS Profile for state and institutional aid.
Guide to Grants for College
Grants are offered by the federal government, states and colleges to help lower-income students pay for school.
Federal Student Loan Servicers: Who They Are and What They Do
Your student loan servicer manages all of your federal loan payments until your debt is repaid. Sometimes, the government may reassign you to a new servicer when servicer contracts expire.
How to Read a Financial Aid Award Letter
Financial aid award letters could have different language for grants, scholarships, work-study and loans.
What Is the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan for Federal Student Loans?
Income-Contingent Repayment is the least generous income-driven plan, but it’s the only one parent PLUS loan borrowers can use.
Parent PLUS Loan Repayment Options
Repayment options include refinancing, consolidating and making payments on an Income-Contingent Repayment plan.
Student Loan Consolidation vs. Refinancing
Federal student loan consolidation and private student loan refinancing are not the same thing.
What Is Need-Based Financial Aid for College?
Need-based financial includes grants, scholarships, work-study and subsidized student loans.
Should You Consolidate Student Loans? Weigh the Pros and Cons
The pros of student loan consolidation include easier debt management and potentially a lower monthly payment.
Your Guide to Filing Taxes With Student Loans
Get answers to questions about student loans and taxes, including: Are student loans taxable?