Whether you’re waiting to hear back from colleges, know which school you will be attending in the fall, or are a junior in high school, financial aid resources can make college much more affordable. Which should you be paying attention to in 2022?
FAFSA
One of the most important financial aid resources you need to take advantage of is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Offered by the Department of Education, this application can help you explore loans, grants, and more that you could be eligible for. And this information isn’t just for the government – the data you provide is also sent to your potential colleges. What you put down on the application could result in grant offers from the schools as well!
You can explore FAFSA, details about student loan debt, information on paying for college, repayment plans, student loan tools, and more on StudentLoans.gov, the Department of Education’s website dedicated to student loans.
This is where you should always start when it comes to financial aid. And the sooner you apply, the better. Schools will run out of funds to give students who qualify for need-based aid, and if you wait too long, you could miss out.
Your Schools
Did you know that your high school and colleges you applied to can help you explore financial aid as well?
For your high school, your best resource is your guidance counselor. They’ve helped countless students just like yourself uncover ways to pay for school. They’ve seen it all before! These individuals can help direct you towards resources, scholarships you qualify for, financial aid tools, and more. You only have to schedule an appointment.
You can also talk to any colleges you applied to or the college you plan on attending. If you go this route, you’ll want to discuss financial aid with the school’s financial aid officer. They can talk to you about grants, scholarships, student loan debt, and more. These officers can work one on one with you to make college more affordable, but you do need to ask for assistance.
RaptorFi
Did you know our sister company, RaptorFi, can help you with financial aid? They understand that a student loan search isn’t a one size fits all, and the service offers a loan finder tool that can help you uncover the best financial options for your unique needs.
The site also has a number of resources, articles, and more to help you become more educated on your options, what student loans are available, how they work, and what you can expect. And if you decide you want to refinance or aren’t sure if you should, RaptorFi also has tools available to help you uncover choices for refinancing, consolidating, and more.
When looking at colleges, you may be a bit stunned when you see the sticker price. However, knowing your options when it comes to financial aid is a must as it will help ensure you’re making the best decision not only for now, but for your future education and finances.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
|
|
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
