Financial Aid

Student loan refinance and student loan consolidation are completely different beasts. If you're weighed down with student loan debt, you need to know the difference.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Refinancing your student loans seems like a no brainer. But is it always a good idea?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Even if both of your parents are employed, you may be eligible for financial aid. Learn whether you can receive financial aid with two working parents.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Getting an education is one of life's great accomplishments, and, just like many valuable things, it doesn't come cheaply. Many of us will need some type of financial aid, and we have 5 tips to keep in mind while you're applying.

By Melissa Sandoval

Rhodes Scholarships pay for post-graduate work at the University of Oxford. But this prestigious scholarship isn't just for students who spend all day in the library. Athletes tend to do well, too.

By Jamie Page Deaton

The Fulbright Scholarship helps students pursue research abroad in hopes of boosting international understanding. How can you apply for this scholarship, and what costs does it cover?

By Lance Looper

There are many benefits to student loan consolidation, like lower monthly payments, more time to repay the lender and special repayment plans. But is consolidation the right option for every graduating student with loan debt?

By Eric Baxter & Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral research, also called a postdoc, is an option for people who have earned a Ph.D. Traditionally, they're a way for young scientists to gain more in-depth training in their field and to supply research institutions with inexpensive labor.

By Melissa Sandoval

Do you need some help financing your college education? Stafford loans are federal student loans designed to supplement scholarships, grants, work-study jobs and family resources to help meet the cost of tuition, fees, room and board.

By Marie Willsey

College is expensive, but students don't have to shoulder that financial burden alone. In fact, parents can contribute to their child's undergraduate expenses by applying for a PLUS loan.

By Dave Roos

If you're paying off student loans, you might be able to take advantage of a perk that lets you deduct the interest when paying income taxes. How do you know whether you're eligible for this tax break?

By Jane McGrath

Georgia started its HOPE Scholarship Program to reward academic achievement and retain in-state talent, and some other states now have similar programs. What does it take to get a HOPE Scholarship and keep it throughout college?

By John Kelly

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) helps students cover college costs while getting military training. How do you know if you're eligible for ROTC, and what service commitments are required?

By Lance Looper

If you're having trouble paying off your student loans, deferment or forbearance may be an option. What's the difference between the two, and how could they help you pay off your debt?

By Susan Sherwood, Ph.D.

Before you can even begin to tackle all the challenges college has in store, you first have to figure out how to pay for it. That's where financial aid can come in handy. But what's the difference between loans and grants, and which is right for you?

By Jennifer Sellers

As it gets increasingly difficult for students to pay for college, it helps to know every possible option for financial aid. If your need is exceptional, you can consider a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, which helps out with expenses not covered by other grants or loans.

By Christine Venzon

If you'd like to link your interest in law with your interest in the environment, you might consider a joint degree. But you'll need to jump through some hoops to finance it.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Private grants are a great way to help you finance your education, but how do you find them? Is there anything special you have to do to qualify for these unusual financial gifts?

By Josh Briggs

Of the many ways to get financial aid while paying for school, work-study programs offer more than just a dollar amount. They can also give students real work experience alongside an hourly wage that can go toward tuition.

By Martha Barksdale

Paying for college can be stressful for many students. Even getting loans can be hard, since you'll have to pay them back with interest. Direct loans, however, are low-interest loans funded by the U.S. government.

By Meghan E. Smith

As the first federal student loan, Perkins Loans help those with financial need afford college. How does this loan compare with others, and how did the Russian space program prompt its creation?

By Lance Looper

Federal and local governments offer a number of grants to help college students pay for their education. Are public grants easier to get than private grants? What do you need to do to qualify and apply?

By Jonathan Strickland

As confidence in the economy wavers, many people are looking for a way to become more marketable to employers. Business school degree is a logical step, but an MBA can come with a steep price tag. What financial aid opportunities are available for business graduate students?

By Lawrence Schumacher

Dental school isn't cheap. On top of tuition, books and other educational expenses, many students must pay for their own instruments. How do dental school students find financial aid to help them out?

By Jonathan Strickland

Incomes in the six figures help most lawyers chuckle through bad law jokes no problem. But actually paying for law school is no laughing matter. If you're determined to become a lawyer, how do you do it?

By Jessika Toothman