Spring sows seeds of thought for students and their families planning for higher education costs.
Several Web resources explore common concerns at this time of year for college students and their families. The U.S. Department of Education's Financial Aid for Students site provides information about grants, loans, work-study, and tax credits for education and how to apply for them. Filling the funding gap Students who applied for financial aid receive letters from schools indicating the type and amount of aid, such as grants, work-study, and Federal Stafford loans, available to that individual. USA Funds , the nation's largest education loan guarantor, reminds students and their families they have additional options if the aid package falls short of their needs. Apply for scholarships.