Financial aid seems complex because it can come from so many different sources. Each source may have a different set of rules about how to receive the money and how not to lose it. Your college’s financial aid office and its Web site can help you find the way to get the largest amount of money that doesn’t need to be repaid, the lowest interest rate on loans, and work opportunities that fit your academic program. Do not overlook this valuable campus resource, even if you dread having to fill out lots of forms that ask for personal financial information. In order to get the assistance you need and deserve, you’ll have to be resilient and overcome any negative feelings you might have about asking for money.

Other organizations that can help students find the right college and the money to help them attend are located throughout the United States. Many of these organizations are members of the National College Access Network (which helps manage the National College Access Program Directory at www.collegeaccess.org) or participate in a national effort called KnowHow2Go (knowhow2go.acenet.edu). You might also be able to obtain funds from your employer, a local organization, or a private group.

The majority of students pay for college through a combination of various types of financial assistance: scholarships, grants, loans, and paid employment. Financial aid professionals refer to this combination as a package.