Home Ask Student Aid FAQ What should I do if I filed the FAFSA, but got no aid?

What should I do if I filed the FAFSA, but got no aid?

Some students will file the FAFSA, but won’t qualify for need-based student aid such as:

For example, more than half of undergraduate students who file the FAFSA don’t qualify for a Federal Pell Grant or other federal grants.

But you do have options if you didn’t receive any need-based aid.

Federal student loans that don’t require demonstrated financial need:

Direct Unsubsidized Loan: For undergraduate and graduate students
Parent PLUS Loan: For parents of dependent undergraduate students
Grad PLUS Loan: For students enrolled in a graduate school or professional school program

Here are some other ways to help pay for school:

Search for scholarships using a free scholarship matching service, such as StudentScholarshipSearch.com
Sign up for free monthly scholarship drawings at ScholarshipPoints.com
Ask your college’s financial aid office about institutional and state student aid opportunities
Save money on your taxes by using education tax benefits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, and the Student Loan Interest Deduction
Find a part-time job
Consider private student loans

Sallie Mae student loans offer competitive fixed and variable rates for undergraduates, graduate students and parents. Learn More

What To Do Next

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