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If you’re applying to college or graduate school, figuring out how to pay for your education is likely top of mind. The first step for many prospective students is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as the FAFSA®.

This form is your gateway not only for federal loans, but also for federal grants, work-study jobs, and even scholarships and grants available through your state or school. Filling out the FAFSA is key, since it’s how your eligibility for student aid is determined.

You might be tempted to put off filling out the application or have no idea where to start, but submitting your application early could improve your chances of earning more aid. Continue reading for more FAFSA tips and tricks to help make sure everything goes smoothly.

Tips for Filling Out the FAFSA

The FAFSA is required in order to apply for federal student loans, grants like the Pell Grant, and scholarships. Colleges and universities may also use the information provided on the FAFSA to determine college-specific awards. This is an important first step for students figuring out how they’ll pay for college.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you fill out your form.


💡 Quick Tip: You’ll make no payments on some private student loans for six months after graduation.

Actually Fill the FAFSA Out

Some people may not complete a FAFSA under the assumption that their income, or that of their family, is too high for them to qualify for any student aid. In reality, the government has no official income threshold to qualify for federal student aid, and there are many forms of aid on the table.

So you can’t really predict whether you might benefit. You also need to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for any type of federal student loan. Federal loans typically come with more robust benefits when compared to private student loans, including deferment during periods of economic hardship and income-driven repayment. In addition, some colleges require the FAFSA for merit-based scholarships. You don’t want to lose out on potential financial help for lack of even trying.

If you don’t end up earning as much aid as you need, you can also search for scholarships from private organizations.

Submit As Early As Possible

Typically, the FAFSA becomes available on October 1 for the following academic year. Generally, it’s a good idea to submit the FAFSA as soon after it’s released as possible, since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting the form early could help improve your chances of receiving financial help for college.

Most importantly, don’t miss the submission deadline. Technically, the FAFSA deadline is June 30 for the school year you are requesting aid for. But colleges have their own FAFSA deadlines, which are often much earlier than the federal deadline. Plus, each state and educational institution has its own deadline for submitting the FAFSA.

You can check state deadlines on StudentAid.gov. For individual college due dates, you can go to the website for each college you’re interested in applying to, or reach out to their financial aid offices. Make sure you submit the FAFSA by the earliest deadline of the bunch.

Prepare Ahead of Time

To simplify the process of filling out the FAFSA, it’s helpful to gather everything you need in advance. Here are some of the things you may need for both yourself and your parents (if you’re a dependent):

•   Social Security Numbers, or Alien Registration Numbers for noncitizens If you don’t know these, you can request them from the Social Security Administration or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

•   Driver’s license numbers

•   Tax returns For the 2026–27 academic year, you’ll be asked for your 2024 tax information, which can typically be transferred directly from the IRS. If you or your parents have had a change of income since that tax return, you may need to let the financial aid departments of the schools you’re applying to know directly.

•   Records of assets you or your parents own This can include bank statements showing savings and checking account balances or records of investments such as stocks, bonds, or real estate, excluding the family home.

•   Records of income that isn’t taxed This might include child support or interest.

•   Federal school codes for the institutions you’re applying to You can find these on the Department of Education website. Include every school you’re even remotely considering, even if you haven’t yet submitted your application or been accepted. There are no repercussions if you end up listing schools you don’t apply to or get into. However, if you add a school later, there may be less financial aid available.

Recommended: How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

Apply Online

You can request a paper form, but if possible, submitting your FAFSA online is the quickest and easiest way to submit your application. Make sure you are on the official Student Aid website, which should end in “.gov.” If you’re asked to provide credit card information, you’re in the wrong place (after all, “free” is in the form’s name).

Before you get started, you’ll need to create an FSA ID on StudentAid.gov. This is the username and password you’ll use to electronically sign your FAFSA, as well as to prefill information in future years, since you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA each year you want to apply for student aid.

If you are a dependent student, your parents will need to create an independent FSA ID. Because this ID serves as an official signature, you should create your own and not share it with anyone.

Take Advantage of Time Savers

Besides using an FSA ID, another way to speed up the application process is to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This allows you to automatically populate answers to some questions on the FAFSA with information from you or your parents’ federal income tax returns. This not only saves time, but is also a good way to make sure you submit accurate numbers.

Get Help if You Need it

If you’re confused about something, don’t worry — and don’t ignore it. First, check the frequently asked questions on the FAFSA website. If that doesn’t help, you can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center by chat, email, or phone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Every year, certain errors crop up again and again in FAFSA applications. To help prevent delays in your financial aid, it’s worth ensuring you aren’t making these common mistakes:

Leaving Fields Blank

Leaving fields blank can result in errors when filing your application. Instead, write “0” or “N/A” where relevant.

Filling Out the Application at the Same Time as Your Parents

The FAFSA will require financial information from both you and your parents. As mentioned, both you and your parents will have your own FSA ID information to log in and make changes to the FAFSA application. If you log in at the same time, you risk both of your changes not being saved properly.

Providing Incorrect Information

The FAFSA requires a lot of personal and financial information. Making careless errors or submitting incorrect information can cause issues with your application. For example, make sure you submit the correct Social Security number. If you don’t use this number often, you may not know it by heart. But being one digit off here can throw things off.

Issues can also occur if you are providing the wrong figures for investments. Carefully follow the instructions to report student and parent investments in the right place and understand what to include or exclude.

Take your time and read the questions carefully. Breezing through the application in a rush can potentially lead to wrong answers or missed fields.

Recommended: What Are the FAFSA Requirements and Do You Meet Them?

Failing to Reapply

The FAFSA isn’t a one-time deal. Most schools require you to re-apply every year, so make sure you stay on top of deadlines.


💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

The Takeaway

Filling out the FAFSA is the first step to getting the financial aid many students need to make college or graduate school a reality. A few tips to help you toward FAFSA success include: reading the application closely, making sure you have the most up-to-date financial information at hand when you are ready to submit, and submitting the application as early as possible. And don’t forget, you’ll need to submit an application annually.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How do I maximize my FAFSA money?

To maximize your FAFSA® money, submit your application as early as possible, since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Report accurate information and avoid overestimating income or assets, which can reduce eligibility. It’s also wise to list multiple schools to expand your aid opportunities and to research state and school deadlines in addition to the federal deadline.

What is the #1 most common FAFSA mistake?

One of the biggest FAFSA® mistakes is failing to complete the form at all, often due to the misconception that income is too high to qualify for aid. Many families miss out on federal grants, work-study programs, and even low-interest loans because they don’t apply.
Another common FAFSA mistake is leaving blank fields, or skipping questions. Leaving multiple blanks can cause miscalculations and even rejection of your application. If a question does not apply to you, enter a “0” or “not applicable” instead of leaving a blank.

What are 5 tips for filling out the FAFSA?

1.   Apply early — funds are limited and some aid is first come, first-served.

2.   Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool for accurate tax information.

3.   List multiple schools to maximize aid opportunities.

4.   Don’t skip questions — leaving blanks can reduce eligibility.

5.   Review before submitting to catch errors in Social Security numbers, income, or asset reporting.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

✝ To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

SOISL-Q325-141

Even if college is several months or a few years away, high school can be a great time to start saving for future college expenses. This is especially true as the cost of higher education continues to climb.

Just making a few simple moves, like picking up a part-time or summer job and signing up for AP classes (which may allow you to skip some college classes and save on tuition), can go a long way once you get to campus.

Read on for more tips on how to start saving up money for college while you are still in high school.

Advancing Yourself With AP Classes

Achieving an AP Exam score of 3 or higher may allow incoming freshmen to skip introductory college courses or gain credit toward graduation. The College Board reports that nearly all colleges and universities in the U.S. offer credit, advanced placement, or both based on your AP scores.

Most colleges have a policy outlining the minimum scores needed to earn credit for specific AP Exams, plus how much credit will be awarded and how it applies to your degree or graduation requirements. The College Board offers an AP credit policy search online, but it’s wise to double check with your individual school.

Earning college credit before you even step foot on campus freshman year can be a great way to save money on future college classes in the long run. You might even be able to graduate early, which could mean thousands of dollars in savings depending on which university you attend. Of course, there are fees to take the AP Exams, but that amount may be offset by the amount of credit hours you’re able to gain if you score well.

Picking Up a Part-Time or Summer Job

Working in high school and setting aside at least a portion of your earnings in a savings account earmarked for college can definitely come in handy when it comes time to cover expenses like books, meals, entertainment, or off-campus rent.

Recently, some companies with part-time and entry-level jobs — perfect for high school students — have started offering tuition support or reimbursement for eligible employees. At Starbucks, for instance, part- and full-time employees are able to get 100% of their tuition reimbursed for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. Working at Chipotle, you may also be able to receive some tuition assistance every year.

Managing Expenses by Budgeting

It’s never too early to start good money habits, such as maintaining a balanced budget. You might start with a simple spreadsheet that tracks your monthly income (like allowance or any paychecks you earn) as well as your monthly spending, separating your expenses into essential and nonessential. You may be able to free up more money for college savings by cutting back on nonessential expenses. The popular 50/30/20 budget rule suggests putting 20% of your income toward savings for long-term money goals, like saving for school.

Starting to save in high school could potentially help minimize the financial burdens you face during college. Maintaining a budget in high school could also help prepare you for keeping your expenses in line as a college student.

When making a college budget, make sure you research what things like books, transportation, rent, and groceries are going to cost in the area. You can then look at what you might be able to cut in order to save more, like smaller meal plans, off-campus housing, renting used textbooks, or taking the bus rather than bringing your car.

Recommended: 33 Ideas for Saving Money While Dorm Shopping

Switching Up Your Savings Account

A high-yield checking or savings account could earn you significantly more money by paying a higher-than-average interest rate. This could help your college savings fund grow more quickly.

If you earn a regular paycheck, one easy way to save is to split up your direct deposit between your checking and savings account. This way, you guarantee some money automatically ends up in savings, making it a little harder to spend. You could also set up an automatic transfer within your account so that you don’t have to constantly remind yourself to save.

Researching Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are both forms of aid that don’t need to be repaid, essentially making them free money. Getting a scholarship, or a few, can go a long way in lessening the financial burden you face in college. Some scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen so spending some time researching scholarships and grants could pay off in the long run.

There are online databases, like FastWeb or Scholarships.com, that aggregate information about different scholarships and what their application process looks like. Each scholarship is likely to have their own eligibility criteria and application requirements so pay attention to the details when you are applying.

Different Ways to Pay for College

The U.S. government offers aid in the form of federal student loans, but also grants and some scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of college. It’s important when applying to schools to consider all of the costs involved. You can estimate your financial aid online ahead of time, so you can make an educated decision about where to attend school.

Filling out the FAFSA form every year is an important step toward securing federal aid, including merit-based scholarships and federal student loans.

If savings, financial aid, and federal student loans aren’t enough to pay for college, private student loans are another option to consider. These loans are made by private lenders and aren’t required to follow the same regulations as federal student loans. Because of this, they lack the borrower protections afforded to federal student loans and are generally considered an option only after all other sources of funding have been reviewed.

The Takeaway

High school is the perfect time to start preparing for college and how you’ll pay for it. Taking on a summer or part-time job can boost your income and allow you to start socking away money for future college expenses. Other ways to make the cost of college more manageable include taking AP classes, researching scholarship options, applying for federal financial aid, and taking out federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How much should a high school student save for college?

There is no one set amount that a high school student should save for college. Much depends upon individual circumstances. However, the rule of thumb is that it can be wise for families (parents, relatives, and the student) to save up one-third of the costs and finance the rest. College tours are a good way to gain insights into a campus and how it operates. You can also hear from a student guide about important insider topics and ask questions from a current student.

What are good ways for a student to save for college?

Getting a job, whether part-time or full-time over the summer, is one good way for a student to accumulate funds for college. Taking AP classes can also be helpful, as a good score on the AP Exam can help a student place out of introductory courses and potentially graduate early. This can result in significant tuition savings.

What if I don’t use up 529 funds for tuition?

If 529 funds aren’t used by a student, they can likely be transferred for use by another family member on qualifying expenses, used to pay down student loans, or withdrawn for nonqualifying expenses (which can trigger taxes and penalties), among other options.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOISL-Q325-139

As you’re exploring the job market after college, you may be at a crossroads, wondering whether a master’s would be beneficial in increasing your salary potential or if a certificate program could make sense.

A certificate program typically requires the completion of three to five graduate-level courses and can cost thousands of dollars. However, it can prove highly specialized competency in certain areas and open doors to further professional opportunities.

Read on for more information on post-grad certificate programs so you can assess whether one fits with your financial goals.

What Is the Value of a Post-Grad Certificate Program?

A post-grad certificate program is a program that provides specialization in a field. While the program may not take as long to complete as a master’s degree and may be less expensive, it can also be intense, requiring a significant amount of time set aside to study.

Post-grad certificate programs can be found in all fields, from medicine to economics to marketing. These programs may cost anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. People may complete these certificates because they may be quicker and less expensive than a degree, and may either boost income or boost your competitive value as a job candidate. Post-grad certificate courses may be done online, in-person, or a combination of both, and often, people balance managing a certificate program with working full time.

Because a post-grad certificate can be beneficial, you may find that employers may potentially be willing to subsidize the cost of training. It may be worthwhile to ask your manager or your HR department to do so.

It can also be beneficial to talk to people who have done the certificate program to hear about any pros and cons. Understanding the level of commitment required in the program and how people have managed to set aside time to study for any testing can be valuable intel. You likely want to hear that the certificate can lead to expanded career prospects versus just accruing more knowledge for its own sake.

Graduate Certificate vs Master’s Degree

If you’re right out of college, you may be wondering what the next step is, professionally. While that depends on your career goals, many post-grads find it helpful to explore the professional lay of the land by getting some work experience right after their bachelor’s degree. Also, if the labor market is tight when you get out of college, there can be advantages to looking for a job immediately after graduation, before you get any higher degrees or pursue certification. In some cases, employers may subsidize or help pay for higher education.

A certificate program tends to be in a niche area, so it may be good to explore your field and decide whether that certification is right for you. A master’s program may be more intense, but of course, can be a requirement if you want to pursue a job in a certain field, such as law.

Bottom line: No certificate or graduate degree can “guarantee” that you’ll make a certain amount of money or get a certain kind of job. Every career path is different. That’s why it can be helpful to speak to alums of certain programs or people who have received certain certifications, to hear their experience and advice.

Recommended: How to Pay for Grad School

Is a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

Whether a graduate certificate is equal to a master’s degree depends on how you define “equality.” The two are different paths that help you achieve certain goals. In general:

•   A certificate is less expensive than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate takes less time to complete than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate provides targeted knowledge and a specific skill set about a certain subject area. Generally, a certificate may be about 10 to 15 hours of coursework compared to the 30+ required for graduate programs. Requirements vary based on school and program.

•   A certificate generally requires a less comprehensive application process.

•   A graduate certificate may or may not be affiliated with an accredited degree program. In some cases, certificate coursework can count toward degree hours for a higher-ed degree.

•   Not all graduate certificate programs qualify for federal student loans. You may be able to use a private graduate student loan for a certificate program.

Is a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

A graduate certificate can be worth it, especially if you’re passionate about the field. It can be helpful to get some “real world” knowledge under your belt and understand exactly how the certificate will benefit you and your career goals.

Because a graduate certificate can be a lot of work, it’s also important to make sure you carve out time to be able to do coursework, study, and complete the certificate exam. Asking any questions prior to applying for the certificate program, or asking to speak to people who have completed the program, can be helpful.

Because graduate certificates can be expensive, and may not be covered by federal aid, you may be wondering how to pay for it. Some financing options include:

•   Subsidization through your current employer

•   Saving up to pay for the program

•   Applying for scholarships or financial aid through the certifying organization

•   Exploring other scholarship programs that may be available for you (such as graduate scholarships for military veterans)

•   Considering federal or private student loans for a certification program

Some certification programs may be eligible for federal student aid, including federal student loans and work-study. If this is the case, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what types of aid they qualify for.

Private student loans may be another option for students to consider. These loans don’t always offer the same borrower protections (such as deferment or forbearance options) that come with federal loans. But some private lenders do offer student loans for graduate certificate programs.

Recommended: FAFSA 101: How to Complete the FAFSA

Estimating the Value of a Certificate Program

You may wonder how much a certificate will increase your market value as an employee. And of course, that answer depends on your field and the certificate program you are pursuing. To estimate the value of a certificate program, it can be helpful to:

•   Read review sites and salary ranges on employers you’re interested in.

•   Talk to people who have done the certificate program.

•   Talk about your career trajectory with your current manager or HR department.

•   Speak with the career development office at your alma mater for their perspectives on potential certificate programs.

But in addition to financial value, there’s also the educational value. Is this a topic you find interesting and feel you can lean into? Does the material inspire you and excite you? Because you’ll be spending a significant amount of time working on the material, it can be important to have some motivation to do so.

Costs Associated With a Certificate Program

It can also be important to carve out associated costs with the degree program. In addition to the certificate program itself, you also may need to pay:

•   Application fee

•   Exam fee

•   Certification fee, which may be several hundred dollars and may be required that you renew your certification annually

•   Fee for any materials, including textbooks

Making sure you know exactly what is required of you financially before you enroll can be helpful in planning how you’ll cover the degree.

Recommended: How to Pay for a Grad Certificate Program

How to Decide on a Certificate or Grad Degree

So how do you know which path to take? The answer depends on, you guessed it, your individual goals. But answering these questions may help you decide:

•   What do I want out of my studies?

•   What do I want my work-life balance to look like as I study?

•   What do I hope to gain out of my degree/certificate? What would be the best/worst-case scenario?

•   What are my short-term professional goals?

•   What are my long-term professional goals?

•   What do I like about my work right now? Is there anything I want to dive into more deeply?

•   What is the lack of a degree holding me back from?

•   How will I pay for it? Am I already juggling student loans from undergrad and how comfortable would I feel adding to my debt?

These can be some big questions, and it can be helpful to get perspective by speaking with a mentor, career coach, or someone from your school’s career development office.

You could also consider a certificate program that could go toward credits for a master’s degree. This can be helpful in allowing you to lean into the material and have a head start if you do decide you’d like to pursue a full master’s degree.

The Takeaway

A post-grad certificate can involve challenging coursework and an investment of time and money, but it could potentially set you up on the path to success and can help you further define your career goals.

Because certificates can be expensive, consider having a discussion with your employer and see if they would be amenable to paying for part or all of your certificate. Also, depending on the certificate program, students may potentially qualify for federal aid, including federal student loans. If that aid isn’t enough, however, some students may look into private student loans for qualifying certificate programs.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Are post-graduate certificates worth it?

The answer is, it depends. In some cases, a postgraduate certificate can be a valuable investment for career advancement and greater earnings, especially when targeted to a specific field or skill set. It’s wise to research how certificate holders have benefited in their chosen fields.

Do employers look at graduate certificates?

An employer might indeed focus on your educational credentials to determine whether you’re well-qualified for a job. If a position requires certain degrees, certificates, and diplomas, having those listed on your resume could help you secure a job.

What are the cons of a post-graduate certificate?

A post-graduate certificate can require the investment of time and money, which may be a negative. Also, not all post-graduate certificates will open doors career-wise; some are more impactful than others, depending on your profession.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOISL-Q325-134

It’s no secret that college can be expensive. What’s not-so-widely known is that there are a number of states that offer eligible residents free tuition for both two- and four-year degree programs.

While many of these programs only cover tuition (not room and board and other expenses), they can be a huge help if you are looking for an affordable way to get a college degree. Read on to learn more about how free college programs work, where to find them, and how to fill in any remaining financing gaps.

What Are Free College Tuition Programs?

Free college tuition programs are typically state-sponsored programs that offer free tuition to eligible students. To qualify, you typically need to be a resident of the state and, in some cases, demonstrate financial need. Some states will also award free tuition to students that come from communities that are underrepresented in college attendance or who are first generation college students.

Free tuition programs are often set up as “last-dollar” programs, meaning they cover the “last dollars” needed to pay for college after all other financial aid, including grants and scholarships, has been applied. The idea is to bridge the gap between actual education costs and what a student has already received in aid.

However, it’s important to point out that many tuition-free programs only cover the cost of tuition. As a result, you may still have other expenses to cover, including fees, supplies, and room and board. In some cases, a free college tuition program will cover school fees or provide stipends for necessary expenses like textbooks.

💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.

States With Free College Tuition

What follows is a roundup of states that offer free or reduced tuition to two-year, four-year, and/or certificate programs.

California Promise Program

The California College Promise Grant waives fees for nearly half of students in the California Community College system , while others only need to pay a $46-per-unit fee. For example, if you’re a California resident enrolling in 12 units, you would pay $552 each semester. Students that live out of state pay more.

Indiana 21st Century Scholars Program

The 21st Century Scholars Program encourages Indiana students in the 7th and 8th grade to stay in school and keep up their grades by promising them money for college if they meet program requirements.

Oklahoma’s Promise

Oklahoma’s Promise pays tuition at public colleges and universities for eligible students. It will also pay a portion of tuition at accredited private colleges and universities. To qualify, students must enroll in the program in 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade and their parents’ federal adjusted gross income can’t exceed $60,000 (with one or two dependent children) or $70,000 (with three or four dependent children).

New York Excelsior Scholarship

Through the Excelsior Scholarship, New York students from families earning $125,000 or less can attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free

Washington College Bound

In the state of Washington, students can apply to participate in the College Bound scholarship program, which gives eligible free students public college tuition, or an equivalent amount for an approved private college or career school. Students must apply for financial aid and attend a participating college in Washington.

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Arkansas Future Grant

The Arkansas Future (ArFuture) grant covers the cost of tuition and fees for certain certificate and associate degree programs at public education institutions in Arkansas.

Delaware SEED Program

The Delaware SEED Program gives scholarships to Delawareans of all ages who would like to pursue an academic degree (including an associate or bachelor’s degree) or a workforce training certificate at Delaware Tech.

Hawai’i Promise Scholarship

The Hawai’i Promise Scholarship provides free in-state tuition to students with financial needs who attend the University of Hawai’i Community College. This program covers direct education costs including tuition, books, supplies, transportation, and school fees.

Kentucky Work Ready Scholarship Program

The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program assists Kentucky residents who want to pursue a certificate or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree by covering the remaining cost of tuition after other financial aid has been applied.

Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship

The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship offers eligible students who enroll at a Maryland community college up to $5,000 to cover any tuition costs and fees that remain after Federal or State financial aid has been applied.

Missouri A+ Scholarship

Missouri students who maintain a 95% attendance record and provide 50 hours of unpaid tutoring/mentoring may qualify for the Missouri A+ Scholarship. This program covers any gap between financial aid and the tuition and fees for community or technical college.

Montana Promise Act

The Montana Promise Grant is a state program that covers the cost of community, tribal college, or state college for two years. To be eligible, you must be a high school graduate who earned a 2.5 GPA or higher and has lived in Montana for at least a year.

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Nevada Promise Scholarship

The Nevada Promise Scholarship helps Nevada high school graduates go to community college virtually tuition-free. The grant covers up to three years of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other forms of gift aid.

The Oregon Promise Grant

The Oregon Promise Grant is designed to make community college more affordable for recent high school graduates and GED recipients in Oregon. For eligible students, the grant covers remaining tuition amounts after other gift aid has been applied.

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Rhode Island Promise

The Rhode Island Promise program allows recent Rhode Island high school graduates to obtain an associate degree at the Community College of Rhode Island tuition-free.

Tennessee Promise

For eligible students, the Tennessee Promise program covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other gift aid. The money can be used at any of the state’s community colleges, colleges of applied technology, and other institutions that offer an associate degree program.

Finding Ways to Pay for College

Free tuition programs may not be available to all students. In that case, paying for college may require compiling together a few different sources of financing.

Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) each year to apply for federal aid, including scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is also used by states to determine eligibility for their own scholarship and grant programs.

If you don’t receive enough financial aid to cover your funding needs, you may want to explore student loans. It’s generally recommended to exhaust federal student loans before turning to private student loans. Federal student loans typically have lower, fixed interest rates and offer more flexible repayment plans, including income-driven repayment. They also offer borrower protections, such as deferment and forbearance.

However, federal student loans don’t fully cover the cost of attendance for many students, and some students may consider tapping into private student loans as well.

Unlike federal student loans, which are issued by the U.S. government, private loans come from private institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. While private student loans may cost more than some federal student loans, you can often borrow up to the total cost of attendance (including room and board), which gives you more borrowing power than you can get with the federal government.

💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

The Takeaway

Some states offer free tuition programs that provide residents with resources to help cover their tuition costs. For those that qualify, these programs can provide much-needed financing to help them pursue their education goals.

Sometimes, state and federal aid isn’t enough to cover a student’s college costs. In that case, some students explore private student loans. Though these loans may lack some of the borrower protections available for federal student loans, they can be an option for filling in funding gaps. When shopping for private student loans, it can be helpful to compare potential interest rates and fees with different lenders to find the best deal.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Which state gives free college tuition?

Several states offer tuition-free college programs, but eligibility requirements vary. For example, New York’s Excelsior Scholarship offers free tuition at public colleges for families meeting income requirements. Tennessee’s “Tennessee Promise” offers free community college to high school graduates. A number of other states offer similar programs. However, most of these scholarship programs cover only tuition — not housing, books, or fees.

How many US states offer free community college?

Roughly, 35 states currently offer tuition-free associate degrees. These programs typically cover tuition for in-state residents, though they may require meeting income thresholds, applying for federal aid first, and/or maintaining certain academic standards. Also keep in mind that these programs typically only cover tuition, not books, lab fees, housing, food, or transportation.

Is education free in every state?

Higher education — such as community colleges and state universities — is not universally free. While many states have introduced tuition-free or reduced-cost programs, these are not available everywhere and often come with eligibility rules. Also, students still typically pay additional expenses like housing, food, books, transportation, and activity fees, even when tuition is covered.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/Vimvertigo

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