Keep copies of all forms and correspondence: you must reapply for aid each year. - 1/6 Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Aid for Students Parents of students: save money long before your child attends college. FinAid: for Parents College Savings Plan Network (state "Section 529" plans) Tax incentives for higher education expenses Good overviews: Cash for College FinAid: The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid Financial Aid: You Can Afford It Looking for Student Aid Mapping Your Future Paying for College Beware of scholarship scams -- don't pay for free information! Department of Education Federal Trade Commission Student aid and where it comes from TOP Basic assistance categories: Financial need-based Remember that students and their parents are responsible for paying what they can -financial aid is a supplement, not a substitute, for family resources. Non need-based Factors include academic excellence, ethnic background, or organization membership.