Financial Aid For New & Returning College Students

Whether you’ve just received your acceptance letter, are returning for a new semester or are just beginning the application process, now is the time to think about the financial aid options available to you.

Learn about some of the easiest and most popular ways students save money on college expenses.

  1. Government Financial Aid
  2. Popular Scholarship Websites
  3. Library Resources

Most college students are eligible to apply for federal and state aid, both U.S. citizens and legal non-citizens.
To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

  • Visit FAFSA
  • Create an account
  • View the checklist of items you need to apply
  • Submit your application!

After completing the FAFSA, you should receive a Student AID Report (SAR) which will give you information about whether you’re eligible for scholarships, financial aid, work study, loans, or other aid opportunities.

Additional Guides

FastWeb's FAFSA FAQs
NerdWallet FAFSA Guide

Massachusetts Financial Aid (OSFA)
The Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Aid (OFSA) offers ways to receive aid or supplement federal aid.  OSFA offers:

  • Grants for low-income students, new college students, returning students over age 25, and other specific circumstances
  • Need-based and merit-based scholarships
  • Tuition waivers for some students

College Scholarship Service (CSS)

CSS links students with additional grants and scholarships. Unlike government-provided financial aid, these opportunities vary based on the school you plan to attend.