Free guides and tools · Updated for 2026
Pay for college without the guesswork
Plain-English guides to student loans, financial aid and degrees, checked against official sources. Plus free tools to find scholarships and see how much you still need.
2026–27 federal loan limits
- Undergraduates$5,500–$12,500 a year
- Graduate students$20,500 a year
- Professional students$50,000 a year
- Parent PLUS$20,000 a year per student
Grad PLUS ended for new borrowers on July 1, 2026. See all the limits →
Guides
Start with a topic
Student Loans2026 limits, interest rates, repayment plans and forgiveness.
Financial Aid & ScholarshipsThe FAFSA, grants, work-study and how to find scholarships.
Online DegreesHow online programs work, what they cost and how to check a school.
Colleges & Degree TypesSchool profiles, degree levels and what each one can lead to.
Free tools
Plan how to pay for school
Scholarship MatcherTell us your state, school level and major. See scholarships you may qualify for, with their deadlines.Find scholarships →
Funding Gap CalculatorAdd up your costs, aid and savings. See how much you still need and which federal loans can cover it.Check your gap →
2026 Federal Loan LimitsEvery federal student loan limit in one place: undergraduate, graduate, professional and Parent PLUS.See the limits →
Popular
Start here
- Student Loans: What You Need to Know About the 2026 Limits
- How to Apply for Financial Aid: FAFSA Step by Step
- How to Find Scholarships (Without Getting Scammed)
- Types of Financial Aid: Grants, Work-Study and Loans
- Graduate Degree Options (and How to Pay After Grad PLUS)
- How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
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How we work
Facts you can check
Official sources firstWe use studentaid.gov, federal law, College Scorecard and school websites. Every guide lists its sources.
Checked on a scheduleLoan and aid facts every July, school profiles every six months, and big rule changes as they happen.
Free and independentNo ads and no paywall. We are not part of any school, lender or government agency.