Filed your FAFSA? Here are 3 other ways student loan borrowers can get help for fall 2026
Federal aid may not cover your full college tuition bill, but there are ways to close the gap before classes begin.
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
The college financing process rarely ends when the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is submitted. For many students, filling out the FAFSA, which is the form students are required to complete to apply for college-related financial assistance, is simply the first step in figuring out how they'll pay for school . The real challenge often comes after the financial aid offers arrive and students begin comparing what's been awarded against what they'll actually owe.
At that point, many students discover that even after grants, scholarships and federal student loans are factored in, there's still a gap to fill in terms of their tuition and expenses. That shortfall can be especially frustrating in this landscape, though, as college costs remain elevated and recent changes to the federal student loan landscape have had a big impact on the borrowing options and limits students now have. In turn, many borrowers are wondering how they'll finance the college year ahead without taking on more debt than necessary.
The good news is that filing the FAFSA doesn't mean you've exhausted your options. Depending on your circumstances, there may be other ways to fill in the gaps left by federal funding.
Compare the top private student loan options online now .
Filed your FAFSA? 3 other ways student loan borrowers can get help for fall 2026