Your source for understanding college financial aid.
Student Aid Source organizes the most important information about grants, student loans, state programs, institutional aid, and private funding — all clearly explained, all in one place.
Everything you need to research college financial aid.
We cover the full range of financial aid options — grants, student loans, scholarships, and work-study — so you can research and prepare before engaging with official programs or financial aid offices.
Aid type overview
A complete picture of financial aid — grants, student loans, scholarships, and work-study — and the practical differences between each type that affect your planning and repayment.
Step-by-step preparation
Guidance on what to research, gather, and understand before you sit down with any aid application, loan offer, school counselor, or enrollment advisor.
Questions that matter
A focused set of questions to bring to financial aid offices, loan servicers, program administrators, and school counselors before making any enrollment or borrowing decision.
Navigate grants and loans with confidence.
Student Aid Source gives you the background knowledge to approach aid offices and lenders, compare award letters, and avoid the most common first-time mistakes.
Start with these foundational topics.
Understanding your aid package
How aid packages are structured and what to look for when comparing offers from multiple schools.
Federal student loans: what to know before you borrow
The basics of subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans, interest accrual, and general repayment plan options.
Aid for certificate and trade programs
Financial aid is not limited to four-year degrees — an overview of funding options for vocational and certificate programs.
Graduate student aid basics
How federal aid, fellowships, and institutional grants differ at the graduate and professional level.
Online and hybrid program funding
What to know about aid eligibility for online degree programs and distance learning options.
Start your aid research today.
Submit a request and we will point you toward the most relevant grant and student loan resources for your situation and goals.