College Ave Survey Finds 41% Students Confused About Funding Education

As high school graduation approaches, many families face confusion about how to pay for college, with 41% of current students uncertain about financing their education. A key first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for various types of financial aid including scholarships and grants, some of which are also offered by states and schools. Scholarships are accessible to a broad range of students, not just top performers, with 53% of college students using merit aid to help cover costs. Various scholarships are available based on factors such as background, extracurricular activities, and areas of study, with resources like Fastweb, Scholly, Cappex, and Unigo offering searchable databases. Grants, including the well-known Pell Grant, provide additional funding based on financial need, and students should also explore state and school grant opportunities. Many colleges offer on-campus work-study jobs supported by government aid, providing another way for students to offset college expenses.