Applying for Financial Aid

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

For most students, applying for financial aid is an important part of preparing for college. What can you do to be sure your application is perfect?

By John Kelly

Just when you thought you'd beaten the odds and gained acceptance to the college of your choice, the numbers game begins anew as you start to figure out how to pay for school. Luckily for you, your SAT score might be your ace in the hole.

By Marie Willsey

In addition to completing the FAFSA as early as possible, it's crucial that you follow up on it diligently and expediently. Not doing so can crush your plans for getting the education you're depending on.

By Victoria Vogt

Getting into college sure is exciting -- until you start figuring out how to pay for it. Your financial aid journey begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; college students know this fearsome form as the FAFSA.

By Dave Roos

There are many reasons to have your request for financial aid declined. But you can appeal the school's decision. What can you say in your letter to convince administrators to reconsider your case?

By Jonathan Strickland

If you don't fill out a FAFSA -- or if you miss the deadline -- you're throwing away free money. Your school and federal government can help you pay for college, but you've got to do your part by crossing each "t" and dotting each "i" before June 30.

By Bambi Turner

Your financial aid history encapsulates all of the outside aid you've ever received for school, from grade school on up. How can that record affect you, long after you've stopped hitting the books?

By Susan L. Nasr

With college tuition soaring toward the quarter-million-dollar mark, competition for financial aid is fierce. How much will grades affect your chances obtaining merit-based and need-based aid?

By Julia Layton

Financial aid can help reduce the expense of college. So how do you determine how much assistance you're eligible for?

By Jessika Toothman

There are a lot of costs associated with getting your academic degree, and many people need financial assistance. But how do you determine just how much money you'll need before you're through?

By Nathan Chandler

If you apply early decision, you might increase the likelihood that you'll be accepted into your dream college. But will you hurt your chances to receive financial aid?

By Sarah Winkler