Find the Best Online Universities

October 1st, 2005

With six pages of over a hundred questions, many which involve personal information, this behemoth of a form takes a great deal of time and effort to fill out, yet is essential for anyone planning on obtaining a higher education. Visit these 100 sites to learn how, do it right the first time, and explore finance options beyond the FAFSA.

Government Sites

Offered by the Federal Government, these official websites offer the application itself, information on the financial aid process, and what the future holds.

1. Free Application For Federal Student Aid The first stop regarding FAFSA. This government run website gives you information on how to fill it out, tips on following up, and gives you the option to do it online.
2. FAFSA4caster Also a government run site, this allows visitors to learn about the financial aid process. It can even obtain an early estimate of eligibility.
3. U.S. Dept. Of Education The Department of Education’s website has the latest information on financial aid. Here you can read on the newest budget proposals or learn about other grants and opportunities.
4. ExpectMore On this federal site, you can see which programs are performing well and which aren’t. Whether satisfied or dissatisfied with your FAFSA experience, you can learn more here.
5. Student Aid On The Web This is a useful site for preparing for funding an education beyond high school. Here, you can learn about all different sorts of programs, including the FAFSA.
6. SallieMae Originally created in 1972 as a government-sponsored entity, the company began privatizing its operations in 1997. It has now grown into the nation’s leading provider of student loans, administrator of college savings plans, and a useful information source.

Professional Help

Usually taking hours to complete, many applicants are confused by the multiple questions. Visit these sites for tips on how to complete the form while avoiding common mistakes.

7. FAFSA Online This is a service of the Student Loan Network. A useful site, they give tips on filling out the form, links to renewal forms, and even a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship.
8. Student Loan Network This site helps students and parents find the best student loans, including federal, private, and loan consolidation. Be sure to check out the student resources pages for FAFSA help, financial aid tips, free downloads, and the answers to your financial aid and student loan questions.
9. FinAid Established in 1994 as a public service, this award-winning site has grown into the most comprehensive source of student financial aid information, advice and tools. Access is free for all users and there is no charge for this site.
10. College Answer Anyone trying to unravel the mystery of the college and the financial aid application process should visit this site. It has information on FAFSA, as well as loans and scholarships.
11. Student Finance Domain Broken down into two main sections, this site offers tips on paying for college with options from financial aid to student loans and everything in between. They also offer tips on managing money, creating a budget, student banking, and insurance.
12. Free Education Guides With various guides to choose from, by filling out a form this site will mail you a FAFSA guide for that year. It includes step by step instructions, insider tips, and free access to counselors provided by participating schools.
13. Search By Degree This site will send you a free FAFSA guide by email. It also can match you with colleges, help with financial aid, and is free of charge.
14. Financial Aid News This online newsletter dates back to 1998 and publishes financial aid information. Visit this site to find a combination of newsletters and blogs from around the Internet, dedicated to bringing the best, most up to date financial aid information online.
15. Cut Your College Costs This site has the answers to many frequently asked questions about paying for college. Make sure to read the detailed guide for filling out the FAFSA.
16. Peterson’s A guide to everything college related from undergraduate, to graduate, to continuing education. Also of note is the section on FAFSA containing various answers and tips.
17. A2ZColleges Dedicated to everything school related, click the Finance Corner for information on how to finance yourself and other topics. Their “Hot Tips For FAFSA” is also worth a visit.
18. Get Ready For College Part of the Minnesota Office Of Higher Education, this site has useful tips for financial aid. Visitors can use the estimator, fill out online applications, and read numerous publications on the subject.
19. Financial Aid Supersite The latest statistics reveal that an overwhelming amount of families complete the FAFSA form with mistakes that can cause them to lose their financial aid. Visit this site to learn to avoid how.
20. FAFSA Learning This site is a one stop source for the basics on FAFSA. There is also information on learning about and applying for all sorts of financial aid.
21. National Association For College Admission Counseling The NACAC guides the way to higher education, including help with FAFSA. Be sure to watch a video or enter a contest when you visit this site.
22. Ms. Stafford With tips on how to fill out the FAFSA, she also blogs regularly on the stimulus package, what to do when federal money runs out, and how to make ten grand in twenty seconds.
23. Money4College Visit this site if you are worried about paying too much for college every year. This site will keep you from making a small mistake on your FAFSA and teach you how to effectively negotiate your financial aid package for more money.
24. Free EDU Guide By filling out the form you will receive instructions on obtaining free financial aid, including FAFSA information, grants, and loans.
25. Student Financial Aid Services With fees starting at $79.99, students can receive personal help, advice, and a review of their FAFSA. They also offer FAFSACheck and to help maximize your eligibility for student aid.
26. http://www.lakeforestmba.edu/admissions/tuition_planning/student_fafsa_instructions.aspx Lake Forest MBA This Illinois based school offers a FAFSA guide, complete with sections on signing, filing, and completing the form. You can also contact their expert for more help.

Beyond FAFSA

When federal assistance isn’t enough, visit these sites to learn more about scholarships, grants, loans, and all sorts of financial resources for college.

27. Dream Strategy This site is for those with questions on how to pay for college. Free reports include how parents can balance college costs with planning for retirement. There is also the option to sign up for the newsletter that will give you access to insider knowledge.
28. The Teagle Foundation This foundation provides information on the financial resources necessary to ensure that students have access to college educations. There is also a full listing of new grants and funding opportunities.
29. Fast Web If you have problems with your FAFSA results, this site will give you information on finding money on various types of students from nursing to graduate students. There is also on option to get information on all sorts of degrees.
30. NextStudent This site has everything related to student loans. In addition to information on free money, you can also find information on consolidation and payment.
31. $cholarship $cams Before applying for scholarships, visit here to learn how to avoid scams. Part of the Federal Trade Commission, students and parents can get the tools to protect themselves here.
32. Student Scholarship Search This site provides visitors with a free searchable database of college scholarships and grants. You can search by grants, scholarships, tax credits, or student loans.
33. Federal Pell Grant This site tells you all you need to know about the purpose and eligibility for the Pell Grant. You can also download the pdf on all the programs offered by the Department of Education.
34. Find Tuition This site helps pay for tuition by utilizing all sources. Here you can search for scholarships, find student loans, and take advantage of the over 7 billion dollars worth of funds available.
35. Education Connection Visit this site to learn all about higher education, including paying for it. You will find information on grants, scholarships, work study, and more.
36. Education Grant This site has brought financial resources together all in one place. You can find information on need based grants, unusual scholarships, and more.
37. Course Advisor This site is a source for finding affordable online degree programs. It also gives information on how to pay for them, including types of financial aid, grants, and the GI Bill.
38. CollegeBoard As well as all sorts of college advice, this site has a special section for dealing with tuition costs. Visitors can view the big picture, learn more about scholarships, or find aid.
39. American Liberty Scholarship Their ultimate goal is to help prospective students enjoy a quality education. You can win a $5,000 scholarship by filling out their form online.
40. Government Grant Review This site has all the answers to questions on government grants. They even link to online applications and rate them.
41. Program Advisor This site is your guide to over $38 million in scholarships. You can also find information on accredited universities and learn about what to do before college.
42. The Pell This is a one stop information source for everything concerning the Pell Grant. You will find information on eligibility, FAQ’s, and more.
43. Give Me Scholarships! This site is free advice from an actual scholarship judge. There are tips on how to maximize scholarship amounts, three important rules to follow, and essay tips.
44. School Soup This site provides students with access to over $32 billion in scholarship awards. You can find information on loans, careers, online degrees, and cheap textbooks as well.
45. United Negro College Fund One of the oldest scholarship funds in the nation, the UNCF provides over 300 scholarship and intern programs. Visit this site if you are interested in becoming one of the 65,000 students they help each year.
46. Hispanic Scholarship Although with links to programs for African Americans, Native Americans, and single mothers, this site also offers a directory of scholarships for Hispanics. There is also information on student loans and financial aid.
47. Scholarship Help This website explains how college funding works, the types of scholarships available, how to find them, and how to apply for them. They also help students get organized and go after the high priority items first.
48. Careers & Colleges By utilizing the scholarship search, you can find access to over $7 billion in scholarship money. You can also find information on loans and financial aid.
49. BrokeScholar Launched in 2002, this site is one of the web’s largest free scholarship search engines, featuring undergraduate, graduate, and professional scholarship awards. It offers 650,000 scholarships worth $2.5 billion in a less-commercial environment than other scholarship search engines.
50. CollegeNET By using their Mach25 database, you will find over 600,000 awards totaling over $1.6 billion. A unique feature allows key word searching, which helps to narrow the fields.
51. International Education Financial Aid IEFA is the premier resource for financial aid, college scholarship and grant information for students wishing to study abroad. At this site, you will find the most comprehensive college scholarship search and grant listings plus international student loan programs as well as other information.
52. Direct Textbook This site allows you to compare prices on new and used textbooks. Search by specific category, or use this site to sell your used textbooks back.

From Those Who Have Been There

Read the stories of students who are dealing with, or have completed, their financial aid journey. There are also sites from the professionals, who have a great deal of advice for FAFSA applicants.

53. Achieve Harvard Maciej Godlewski only paid eleven percent of his Harvard tuition. Download the “14 Top Tips for Getting Money for College and Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)” to learn how for free.
54. FAFSA Blog Finaidguy is an expert in the college financial aid field. He blogs mostly about the FAFSA process and financial aid in general.
55. Mission Admission Amy Goodyear is an independent college admissions counselor in Kerrville, TX with a with a passion for helping students and parents through the process. Although she hasn’t posted since 2007, there is still pertinent information on the admissions process, as well as the FAFSA.
56. Not Your Average Admissions Blog This is a beneath the surface look at college admissions. With posts on how to do personal statements and the relevance of SAT scores, read this blog for more than just FAFSA tips.
57. Daniel Barkowitz Dan is the Director of Student Financial Aid and Student Employment at MIT with over 15 years of experience in the financial aid and student financing industry. With backgrounds in loan originators, loan servicers, and financial aid offices., he shares his vast knowledge in this blog.
58. Scholarships.com Founded in 1998, Scholarships.com has had one goal: to help students find the money they need to get a college education. Their blog is full of information on financial aid, as well as the FAFSA.
59. Paying For College Blog This site contains all the things you need to know to help pay for college from an independent, unbiased viewpoint. In addition to loans and payments, there is a category for FAFSA.
60. AdvancePrep With everything on preparing for college, this blog has various FAFSA references. There is also information on preparing for college, financial aid, and the latest in education news.
61. My College Admissions Blog This site is devoted to providing advice and tips from college admission counselors. In addition to FAFSA information, visitors can learn how to conduct themselves on interviews, write winning essays, and prepare scholarship applications.
62. The College Solution Blog Lynn O’Shaughnessy is a financial journalist and contributor to many major publications. In her blog, she advises students and parents on how to survive college, including a great deal of information on the FAFSA.
63. Admissions Advice Through her work as a college counselor, Carolyn Lawrence helps students and parents from across the U.S. and around the world make smart college choices. With help on writing essays and choosing the right college, she also gives advice on financial aid.
64. OSU Admissions Blog Oregon State University runs this blog for the benefit of future students. You can take a virtual tour, ask a question, or read the various entries on financial aid.
65. UCLA Admission Blog This blog is for students hoping to enter the university as undergraduates. As well as FAFSA information, this blog contains hints on how to get in, tours, and much more.
66. Fresh Experiences On The Bluff You can choose from the current or past student bloggers to read about their experience at the University of Portland. They talk about student life, what to expect, and, of course, financial aid.
67. Vandy Admissions Blog Written by the staff of Vanderbilt University, this blog includes all aspects of admission, including financial aid. Worthy of note is their video interview with the Dean of Admissions, who discusses overcoming the obstacles to paying for school.
68. Dolans This is a husband and wife team who make money matters simple. With a special section on college, learn more about FAFSA, financial aid, and how to avoid scams.

From Universities

Knowing that the FAFSA is essential to just about every student, visit these university websites to learn more about the applications process, and what forms they require.

69. College-Scholarships This site offers an online directory of college and university admissions office, including email addresses and telephone numbers. You will also find college scholarship and financial aid office email addresses, links to home pages, and online applications for more than a thousand colleges and universities.
70. Princeton This financial aid office has an FAQ and the option to apply for aid online. Most noteworthy are the several videos from students and professionals on the subject.
71. Western Washington University This site is the Financial Aid Services Center for WWU. Here you can learn about FAFSA on the web, renewing your application, and deadlines.
72. Rice University The financial aid office at Rice offers a great deal of help for students who need help determining their need. On this site, visitors can estimate their cost, apply for loans, and learn about the various sorts of other financial help offered.
73. Harvard This office awards all of its financial aid on the basis of demonstrated financial need, with no academic, athletic or merit-based awards. Visitors can get fact sheets, learn the cost of attendance, as well as get more information on the FAFSA.
74. UCLA With links and answers to FAFSA, this office has information on other types of aid as well as state and local. There is also an FAQ section in addition to information for first time borrowers.
75. Duke With a special section for prospective students, this site helps make education affordable. Highlights include updates on aid for low and middle income families, information for early and late applicants, and answers on FAFSA.
76. Millersville This financial aid office gives tips on the most common questions that are answered incorrectly on the FAFSA. They also offer a financial aid calendar and various other forms online.
77. Georgetown Visit this site for quick links to financial aid applications, loans, and grant information. There is also information on how and why to fill out the FAFSA.
78. Bethune Cookman This university has FAFSA tips including information on the PIN and what forms you need before you complete it. There is also information on scholarships, loans, and other financial aid information.

Financial Aid

Learn about the FAFSA and all other related funds by visiting the sites of these financial aid experts.

79. Graduate Loans Financial Aid Blog This blog focuses on financial aid from the graduate student’s point of view. Categories include FAFSA for grads, loans, and managing student debt.
80. International Financial Aid Blog A blog for information, advice, updates and thoughts on funding an international education. This site is for both international students that want to study in the U.S., as well as U.S. students that want to study abroad.
81. Student Aid In Canada Dave is a writer and student currently living in the Ottawa area. He is now student-debt-free, has competed for scholarships at all levels, and blogs about how he did it.
82. Thunderbird Financial Aid Office This blog’s goal is to help make the cost of attending graduate school financially feasible. Located in Arizona, categories include budgeting, information on loans, and more.
83. Financial Aid Blog This blog keeps you current on the latest news and information in the financial aid world. Topics include FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and more.
84. JCU Financial Aid Blog Part of John Carroll University, this blog contains various information on financial aid. Posts include deadline information, the FAFSA, and College Goal Sunday.
85. NASFAA The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators offers tons of resources for students who need help paying for college. Regularly updated, visit for news, information, and more.
86. College Financial Aid Guide Here you will find information about student loan services, a glossary to help you understand loan related terms, and some helpful hints to get you through the financial aid system.
87. Dollars & Sense This financial aid blog believes education is an investment in your future. Joe is the Regent University Central Financial Aid Office Director and shares his advice here.
88. Paying For College This blog explores resources, answers common financial aid questions, and shares valuable announcements and information on financial aid.
89. Pay For College Blog Visit this blog for tips on reducing your college costs. Posts include financial aid, the FAFSA, and why to not apply early.
90. Financial Aid Tips This website will show you your financial aid options, help you chart a course, and take the necessary steps to getting that degree.
91. Financial Aid For College This site is full of tips and advice on financial aid. You can read blogs, reviews, and even join the discussion board.

Video Help

From the seriously academic to the light hearted, these videos will show you how to fill out the FAFSA correctly and quickly.

92. Financial Aid Podcast Christopher Penn has a passion for financial aid. With over 70 videos, you will find tips for filling out the FAFSA and much more.
93. 2009 FAFSA Tips Mark gives various tips on how to complete the form. He also helps with how to fill it out quickly, correctly, and completely.
94. FAFSA Made Easy With over 30 videos to choose from Jack tells all about the applications process. Here you will learn everything from introductions to completing the form.
95. College TV This is a guide to everything college from a professional college planner. Find answers to applications, financial aid, FAFSA, the profile, career, majors, and more.
96. The Five Minute FAFSA Get advice from guys who have applied for FAFSA and tell all in a straight forward and humorous manner.
97. Cash For College This video will take you on a step by step guide through the FAFSA. You can also learn more about getting free cash for college.
98. Adventures In Education With thirteen videos on the applications process, this site will guide you from introduction to what to do after the form is successfully completed.
99. College Dad This college admissions specialist has several videos on how to get into college and pay for it. He also gives information on how and why to fill out a FAFSA.
100. Monkey See With a specialization in showing how the experts do it, this site has a section for FAFSA. In these segments, Brad answers student’s various questions on this topic.

Whether you are looking for the basics of FAFSA or for all the funding available to you, these sites offer answers for students, parents, and professionals hoping to navigate through the world of financial aid.