How to Pay for College
When Aid Isn't Enough
Federal grants → state aid → private loans. In the right order, so you borrow as little as possible.
Always Use Aid in This Order — It Saves You the Most Money
Start with FAFSA — Even If You Think You Won't Qualify
The FAFSA unlocks federal grants (free money you never repay), work-study, and federal loans with the best rates and borrower protections.
The largest federal grant program. Available to undergrads with financial need. Never repaid. Over 6 million students receive Pell grants each year.
The government pays interest while you're in school. Far better than private loans. Max $3,500–$5,500/year depending on year in school.
State Grant Programs by State
Most states have grant programs on top of federal aid — but deadlines are strict. Look yours up before May 1.
FAFSA Not an Option? Here's What to Do
Students who are undocumented or DACA-eligible still have options in many states.
| State | What it unlocks | |
|---|---|---|
| California | Cal Grant + institutional aid at CA schools | Visit → |
| Washington | Washington College Grant — one of the most generous in the US | Visit → |
| Oregon | Oregon Opportunity Grant and other state aid | Visit → |
| Illinois | MAP Grant regardless of immigration status | Visit → |
| Minnesota | Minnesota State Grant | Visit → |
| Virginia | State need-based aid for DACA/undocumented VA residents | Visit → |
| TX, NJ, CT, NM, RI, NV, UT | In-state tuition + some aid eligibility | Visit → |
Private Student Loans
No income-driven repayment or forgiveness. Use only to fill a remaining gap after exhausting everything above.
- 9-month grace period (vs. 6 elsewhere)
- Skip one payment per year
- No origination or prepayment fees
- Co-signer release after 36 payments
- Min credit score: 650
- Covers up to 100% cost of attendance
- 4 in-school repayment options
- Hardship deferment & forbearance
- No application or origination fees
- Fast credit decisions
- No late fees — rare for student loans
- 0.25% autopay rate discount
- Unemployment protection program
- Career coaching included
- No origination fees
- Available to part-time students
- Rate reduction for in-school payments
- Multi-year approval available
- Covers grad & professional programs
- Widely accepted lender
- Non-cosigned option for juniors/seniors
- 1% cash back on graduation
- 24-month forbearance available
- DACA-eligible (with co-signer)
- Income-share agreement option
Know your funding gap before you decide
Compare net price (after all aid) side-by-side across your college options — so you know exactly how much you'd need to borrow before committing.
Compare Colleges on Net PriceDisclaimer: Grant amounts, income limits, and deadlines change each academic year. Information reflects 2025–26 data where available — always verify at your state's higher education agency or studentaid.gov. DecideMyCampus does not receive compensation from any lender listed on this page. Rates shown are published ranges as of early 2026 and vary based on creditworthiness and other factors.