Tuition can be one of the biggest expenses when attending college, career school, trade school, or another eligible education program. If you are struggling to pay tuition, there may be several types of financial assistance worth checking before taking on additional debt.
Depending on your income, school, program, academic situation, and other circumstances, you may qualify for federal grants, state aid, school-based assistance, scholarships, work-study, or other education funding. The FAFSA is used by the federal government, many states, and many schools to determine eligibility for financial aid.
Who May Qualify
Financial help with tuition may be available to:
- Low-income students
- Students with financial need
- Current college students
- High school graduates entering college
- Adult learners
- Career and trade school students
- Community college students
- Students returning to school
- Students changing careers
- Students with disabilities
- Veterans and eligible family members
- Students who have experienced a significant change in family income
Each program has its own eligibility requirements.
Check What You May Qualify For
If tuition is difficult to afford, checking multiple sources of financial assistance can help identify programs you may not know about.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Available programs vary based on your eligibility, location, school, program, income, and other factors.
Types of Help Paying Tuition
Federal Grants
Federal grants can provide financial assistance that generally does not have to be repaid when the student meets the applicable requirements. The Federal Pell Grant is one of the major federal grants for eligible undergraduate students. For the 2026–27 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395, although the amount an individual student receives depends on their circumstances and enrollment.
State Grants
Many states offer their own grants and tuition assistance programs. Requirements and deadlines vary by state, and some programs have limited funding. Students should check their state's higher education or financial aid agency in addition to completing the FAFSA.
Scholarships
Scholarships can come from schools, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, employers, professional organizations, and other groups. Unlike loans, scholarships generally do not have to be repaid. Requirements can be based on financial need, academic achievement, career interests, community involvement, background, or other criteria.
School-Based Financial Aid
Colleges, universities, career schools, and trade schools may offer their own grants, scholarships, tuition discounts, or other institutional assistance. Contacting the school's financial aid office can be particularly useful because the school determines the final financial aid offer after admission.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students with financial need. Students earn money by working rather than receiving the funds as a traditional tuition grant.
Tuition Payment Plans
If grants and scholarships do not cover the entire balance, your school may offer a tuition payment plan that allows you to spread remaining costs over several payments instead of paying the entire amount at once.
Employer Education Assistance
Some employers offer education assistance or tuition reimbursement to employees. Check with your employer's human resources department to see whether an education benefit is available.
How Tuition Assistance Typically Works
- Complete the FAFSA when applicable. FAFSA information can be used by federal, state, and school financial aid programs.
- Review your FAFSA Submission Summary. It can provide information about estimated federal aid eligibility.
- Wait for your school's financial aid offer. The school determines the final aid it offers after admission.
- Search for scholarships. Look beyond federal aid for school, state, local, employer, and nonprofit scholarships.
- Ask the school about payment options. A payment plan may help with any remaining balance.
- Review all costs. Consider tuition, fees, books, transportation, housing, and other education expenses.