Sallie Mae's 1-2-3 approach to paying for college
The easy and cost-effective way to pay for school.
When it's time to pay for school, there is a simple way to cut through all the financial information. It's as easy as "get the cheapest money first." And that's as easy as Sallie Mae's 1-2-3 approach to paying for college.SM
Scholarships and grants are funds that don't have to be paid back.
Ask around, visit College Answer®'s free Scholarship Search, and get all the "free money" you can.
Step two is the federal student loan programs. They generally have below-market interest rates and more flexible repayment options.
Even if you think you are not eligible for federal student loans, you can't be sure until you try. Fill out the FAFSA and start the process.
After you've exhausted free and federal money, private student loans can make up the difference. There are a variety of private student loans, each with its own requirements and features.