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:

• Grants
• Scholarships that require financial need
• Subsidized federal student loans

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