On the Web, you can learn just about anything you want to know about paying for college. Here are seven sites we encourage you to check out: finaid.org
This comprehensive site is packed with more information than you'll probably need, but it's the best place to start. Learn about loans and scholarships. Use the online calculator to figure out your costs and needs. Get help for filling out financial aid applications. Get specific, personalized help in the "Answering Your Questions" section. fastweb.com
Boasting a searchable database of more than 600,000 scholarships, fellowships, grants and loans worth more than $1 billion, this free site is a great tool. You can create a personal account and search its database to find scholarships and other aid for which you might be eligible. And they'll send you e-mail updates when new info arrives. fafsa.ed.gov
Go online and fill out your Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA), saving time and paperwork in the process. This site also answers some of your questions about the process, and lets you check on the status of your FAFSA. nasfaa.org
You won't find any student aid at this site run by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, but you will find a ton of good information from the experts. Most of the site is for professionals, but if you click the "Parents & Students" link at the bottom of the page, you'll find articles, quizzes and checklists to help you in the financial aid search. scholarshipcoach.com
Ben Kaplan won nearly $90,000 in scholarships, allowing him to go to college at virtually no cost. He shares his secrets, and many other practical tips, on this site. Features include an "Ask the Coach" section, where you can ask your specific questions, and a "Web Surfing Coach" section, a tutorial for finding scholarships on the Internet. ed.gov/index.jsp
Here's where you'll get the U.S. Department of Education's take on financial aid—recent legislation, paying back loans, tax credits, and more. Click on the "Financial Aid" tab to get many of your questions answered. collegeview.com
This comprehensive site includes a thorough Financial Aid section. Along with a scholarship search, you'll find such topics as "Understanding Financial Aid," "Types of Financial Aid," and "Ask the Experts"—with answers to frequently asked questions.
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Don't forget to go to the websites of the schools you're considering, and click the links directing you to each school's financial aid area.
