Financial aid is complicated. These blogs from the smartest experts help make it simple. Read on to learn how to pay for college without going broke.
Top Must-Read Financial Aid Blogs
There are tons of blogs out there touting financial aid advice, but how do you know which ones to trust?
Not only is taking advice from a bad website a waste of your time, it is preventing you from getting useful information that will actually help save you money. Figuring out how to pay for college is already stressful enough, so don't add having to sift through poor advice on top of that.
We've done the research and carefully selected the best 50 blogs by financial-aid directors and other experts. These blogs have already been established as go-to sources for incoming and current students and their parents. Rest assured that these sites can be trusted and represent the very best in financial aid guidance.
You can keep up-to-date on current programs and scholarship opportunities, learn about crucial tips and pointers for finding aid, and get general personal finance advice for students so they can enjoy college while developing healthy money habits.
Read on for the best blogs to help you understand and navigate the complex world of paying for college.
Home Room (U.S. Department of Education)
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education share commentary and advice on paying for college and making the most of your education.
Why Home Room (U.S. Department of Education) is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The U.S. Department of Education oversees lots of programs, so it can provide information on a variety of programs and funding options.
Read: 11 Common FAFSA Mistakes
My Money
Click the ""Blog"" tab to access updated news relating to financial aid and tips for frugal living in college.
Why My Money is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Learn how to get financial aid and stretch it further with great budgeting and savings tips.
LSU Financial Aid & Scholarships
The LSU Financial Aid Office breaks down the confusing world of scholarships and loans with helpful tips on how to know which options are best for you.
Why LSU Financial Aid & Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog is a good balance of real student stories and more general tips.
Read: Financial Aid and Scholarships
CIPA 101 Financial Aid
The blog is run by the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs and discusses the true cost of a graduate degree and the many options in financing it.
Why CIPA 101 Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Although the blog is specialized to MPA students, its principles are useful for graduate students in all disciplines.
Financial Aid Newsletters
UCSB financial aid updates give seasonal advice on how to prepare for upcoming events or semesters, as well as important dates to know.
Why Financial Aid Newsletters is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Get checkpoints for where you should be and learn how to prepare for upcoming events and applications.
Oregon State Scholarship Opportunities
Oregon State financial aid representatives post a wide selection of scholarship offers for all kinds of students.
Why Oregon State Scholarship Opportunities is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Most of the scholarships are open to students across the country, making the blog a great source of potential scholarship money.
Syracuse Financial Aid Newsletter
Syracuse financial aid advisors give monthly updates with deadlines of upcoming scholarships and federal aid applications.
Why Syracuse Financial Aid Newsletter is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A good way to stay on track with where you should be in the financial aid process.
Read: ""I Otto Know This!"" Financial Literacy Program
How to Get to College: Financial Aid
A variety of CSU students share their financial aid experiences and how they paid for college while providing tips to current and future students.
Why How to Get to College: Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Get real tips from real students in a variety of circumstances.
Goucher Financial Aid News
Goucher financial aid representatives share tips for navigating the FAFSA and other aspects of financial aid.
Why Goucher Financial Aid News is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Practical advice, like how to use the FAFSA system and how to make an account.
ASU Engingeering Scholarships
A blog dedicated to scholarship offerings for engineering students at Arizona State University, with many of the postings applying to a larger student base.
Why ASU Engingeering Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Great scholarship and grant listings for engineering students.
University of Illinois Admissions--Financial Aid
University of Illinois financial aid representatives share advice and deadlines to make sure students have all of the resources and information to pay for college.
Why University of Illinois Admissions--Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Get step-by-step instructions for filling out the FAFSA, completing scholarship applications, and more.
Harvey Mudd Admissions and Financial Aid Blog
A number of Harvey Mudd College students blog about their admission and financial aid experiences, including posts about news and advice.
Why Harvey Mudd Admissions and Financial Aid Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Hear from students with a wide variety of perspectives to get advice on all aspects of the financial aid experience.
UNH Manchester Financial Aid
On the UNH blog, get little-known financial aid tips and tricks and hear from real students about how they graduated with little to no debt.
Why UNH Manchester Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A good mixture between practical learning and real-world application from fellow students.
Read: Value and Affordability Meet at UNH Manchester
Virginia Tech Financial Aid
Monthly updates from Virginia Tech provide deadlines for scholarships as well as tips for applications and advice to make the most of your aid.
Why Virginia Tech Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Monthly tips make it easy to keep up with your applications, and small budgeting tips help control spending without being overwhelming.
Rochester Financial Aid and Scholarships
University of Rochester financial aid representatives blog about a variety of money-related subjects, including how to save, budget, and plan for the future.
Why Rochester Financial Aid and Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Easy-to-read articles are perfect for college students looking to make their money go further.
Read: 5 Fantastic Tips for Saving Money as a Rochester Student
NOVA Financial Aid Information Blog
In an effort to support its students through all steps in the financial aid process, Northern Virginia Community College runs a blog with financial tips and funding opportunities.
Why NOVA Financial Aid Information Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A great source for general information and specific scholarships, especially for students in community college.
Read: Paying for College Workshop
Southwestern Scholarship Blog
A wide variety of scholarships and grants for students across all colleges and majors is updated regularly by Southwestern financial aid representatives.
Why Southwestern Scholarship Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A great place to look for scholarship offers for all kinds of students.
Yale Law FinAid Blog
The blog addresses financial aid changes and issues as they effect graduate students, especially Yale law students.
Why Yale Law FinAid Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The focus is on graduate student funding, making the blog a great resource for upper-level students.
Washburn University Financial Aid Office
Washburn University financial aid bloggers provide a timeline for what students can expect for financial aid and share the importance of financial aid and how to maximize your funds.
Why Washburn University Financial Aid Office is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog provides good answers to the ""why"" behind financial aid.
Bryant & Stratton Financial Aid Blog
Run by a largely online college geared at non-traditional students, the blog shares financial aid tips and opportunities for those going back to school.
Why Bryant & Stratton Financial Aid Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Most other blogs focus on traditional students, so this blog is a welcome fresh perspective for non-traditional students.
Michigan Tech Scholarships
The Michigan Tech blog posts a large number of outside scholarships available for students in all disciplines and circumstances.
Why Michigan Tech Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: With such a large number of posted scholarships, there's something for practically everyone to apply for.
CUNY Funding and Awards
CUNY regularly posts scholarship and funding opportunities on its blog that many types of students can apply for.
Why CUNY Funding and Awards is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Most of the postings are for more than just CUNY students, which makes the blog a great source of scholarship deadlines.
Read: Funding and Awards
Cypress College Financial Aid
Encouraging students that they really can afford college, this blog focuses mainly on federal funding, such as the FAFSA.
Why Cypress College Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Great tips and deadline reminders for filing the FAFSA and getting the most from federal funding.
GMU Business Scholarships
The blog is targeted towards GMU business students and features posts of a variety of business-related scholarship opportunities.
Why GMU Business Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Good scholarship options for students interested in business or who live in Virginia.
Uindy Financial Aid
The UIndy blog answers common financial aid questions, reminds readers of deadlines, and gives tips on how to finance college.
Why Uindy Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Start here for a great overall view of financial aid or dig deeper once you have a good understanding--there's something for everyone.
IPFW Blog
The IPFW Financial Aid blog discusses the financial ups and downs of college, scholarship opportunities, and grant and scholarship tips.
Why IPFW Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog answers students' top financial aid questions in an easy-to-read and helpful manner.
Read: The Double Life: How to Pull Off Attending College While Working
Capella University Financial Aid
The Capella blog looks at different types of students and education, like graduate degrees and military members, to see how they can finance their education.
Why Capella University Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog provides a well-rounded approach to many issues as they affect different types of students.
Hinds Community College Financial Aid
Learn about the steps to applying for and receiving financial aid, and hear stories from students who have gone through the process.
Why Hinds Community College Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog brings a personal touch to standard financial aid information.
No Fear Finance
With a goal to help students thrive financially, Iowa State's blog features a variety of finance tips, from budgeting to paying taxes and applying for loans.
Why No Fear Finance is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A great resource for all types of students, this blog shares valuable financial information.
Read: Live Like a Student Blog
Dallas County Community Colleges Blog
Dallas County Community College bloggers share tips on how to save money and pay for college, as well as scholarship advice and deadlines.
Why Dallas County Community Colleges Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Learn about how to save money in all areas of college and how to get the financial aid you need to minimize debt.
Financial Fitness
Aside from basic scholarship and loan tips, the blog shares frugal living advice for college students and how to make your budget stretch further.
Why Financial Fitness is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A great selection of practical tips for saving and budgeting while still being able to enjoy college.
UW Help Financial Aid Blog
Financial aid representatives bust scholarship myths, give lots of tips, and share personal stories of people who have gone through the financial aid process.
Why UW Help Financial Aid Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A great mixture of personal skills and general tips, including unique advice on how to navigate the system.
STC Financial Aid Newsletter
Get the inside scoop on financial aid from Savannah Technical College, including upcoming deadlines and news.
Why STC Financial Aid Newsletter is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Give yourself a personal check every month with dates to know and progress to make.
Ausburg College Financial Services
Ausburg College blogs for its parents and alumni about financial issues including financial planning and loan repayment.
Why Ausburg College Financial Services is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Regular updates keep parents on track of where their students should be in the financial aid process.
SIPA Financial Aid
Columbia MPA and MIA students blog about scholarship opportunities, tips, and personal financial aid stories.
Why SIPA Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A mixture of practical advice and personal stories makes the blog an interesting and useful read.
SBU Financial Aid Blog
The SBU blog's main focus is the FAFSA; posts include tips on how to fill out the forms and when to get started.
Why SBU Financial Aid Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: All students looking for financial aid should file a FAFSA, so this blog is a great resource and timeline.
Read: Financial Aid Options
Front Range Financial Aid and Scholarships
In an effort to helps students get as much financial aid as possible, Front Range Community College representatives blog about scholarship application tips, where to find the best aid, and how to beat financial aid myths.
Why Front Range Financial Aid and Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A great place to look for tips on making your application stand out and finding aid opportunities that are personalized to your needs.
OSUIT Financial Aid and Scholarships
The blog from the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology shares deadline reminders, checklists, and scholarship and funding opportunities for students.
Why OSUIT Financial Aid and Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Useful posts and monthly newsletters help keep information streamlined and easy to read.
Read: Current External Scholarship Opportunities
Bear Tracks Financial Aid Blogs
The Phoenix College blog keeps students up to date on deadlines and funding options, especially for federal loans and grants.
Why Bear Tracks Financial Aid Blogs is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog helps students stay on top of deadlines and makes sure they correctly complete financial aid applications.
College of Coastal Georgia Financial Aid Newsletters
From the College of Coastal Georgia, these monthly updates give in-depth advice for completing the FAFSA and applying for other forms of aid.
Why College of Coastal Georgia Financial Aid Newsletters is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Following the tips in the posts will keep students on track to get their financial aid applications in on time.
Wisconsin Political Science Scholarships
Political science students at the University of Wisconsin are the audience of the blog that posts scholarship deadlines and information sessions.
Why Wisconsin Political Science Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog is dedicated entirely to political science funding opportunities and is a great resource for students in that discipline.
Read: State Senator Scott Fitzgerald Seeking Fall Interns
News at OSFA
University of Georgia financial aid representatives provide updates and deadlines for where students should be in their financial aid applications, as well as ways to avoid aid scams.
Why News at OSFA is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Straight-forward information to keep students on track in the financial aid process.
Office of Student Financial Aid
Run by the University of Florida, the blog helps students through the entire federal funding process with tips, warnings, and success stories.
Why Office of Student Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Specific guidance for military students, non-traditional students, and others makes this blog a good read for all kinds of financial aid seekers.
Olin Business School Scholarships
Olin business students share their scholarship experiences, from finding and applying for scholarships to how they use the funds to further their education.
Why Olin Business School Scholarships is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog puts a personal face onto financial aid and makes the process more personable.
AI Financial Aid Blog
The Art Institute blog shares tips on funding college, saving money in the creative world, and options for financial aid.
Why AI Financial Aid Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog provides financial aid tips for artists of all kinds and embraces unique opportunities for funding.
PV Pride Financial Aid
The blog by Paradise Valley Community College shares financial aid tips geared towards community college students and Hispanics, including tips for applying for aid in Spanish.
Why PV Pride Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Learn about a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities, as well as regular financial aid workshops.
Read: Register for Spring 2016
MSOE Financial Aid Office
MSOE financial aid bloggers post weekly encouragement and scholarship listings for all kinds of students.
Why MSOE Financial Aid Office is a Top Financial Aid Blog: The blog posts are entertaining and informative with dozens of new scholarships every week.
Read: Financial Aid Office
Parent's Blog Financial Aid
Aimed at parents, the Harper College blog addresses common financial aid questions and concerns and posts scholarship opportunities.
Why Parent's Blog Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: A great place to start if you are unsure about the steps of financial aid.
Read: Apprenticeship Programs: Learn and Earn
Geneva College Financial Aid
Geneva College financial aid representatives post advice on paying for college, along with general finance tips.
Why Geneva College Financial Aid is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Get financial advice for a well-rounded college experience, with savings on things like tuition to rent.
Read: Is College Worth the Expense? An Authentic Story
Ashworth College Blog
The goal of the blog is to help students be debt free, which is achieved through posts about budgeting, living frugally, and how to pay for college.
Why Ashworth College Blog is a Top Financial Aid Blog: Practical tips that go beyond the typical financial aid categories of scholarships and loans.
Best Financial Aid Blogs to Help Pay for College appeared first on CreditDonkey