Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Internet Access
- Financial statements
- Income data
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Step 1
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the web. There are also paper applications, but the online method is the most streamlined. Once you have received your PIN and completed the application, your report will be ready in about a week. A copy will be sent to any colleges you indicated, and will list your family's expected contribution. This information helps the colleges determine your financial aid package.
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Step 2
Apply for student loans through Sallie Mae after learning your financial aid information from your school. If you and your parents have enough to meet the EFC (expected family contribution) you may not need any additional loans. However, if you don't have that much in savings, and don't have time to earn it, there are loans available.
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Step 3
Find out about bank loans with low interest rates, or personal lines of credit from your financial institution. Your parents may have to cosign the loan if you have young credit or not much income.
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Step 4
Look for private money, such as peer to peer lending sites. With social lending, you can reduce your interest rates to almost nothing through other people's investments.
