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Researching the schools you might attend after high school takes time. High school guidance counselors are a good resource for starting your search. Post high school education can include a local community college, state or private university, military college, art or culinary school, or trade or technical training school.
College or University
Some schools can be two year and are often called community colleges. Four year higher educational institutions can be public (state) or private universities.
Federal Student Aid - Use this chart listing items to consider when researching colleges, including your area of study, size of school, and tuition.
College Navigator -This tool helps you explore and compare features of different schools, including academic study programs, admissions guidelines, and campus crime statistics.
College Scorecard - Use this tool to determine if a school is the right fit for you based on cost, student body, the value of your degree, and more.
You may choose to earn a certificate, degree, or diploma from a career trade or technical school that will train you for a specific career, trade, or profession.
There are practical and financial benefits to pursuing an education through a military academy or college. Learn more about military education programs.
Estimating the Cost and Paying for College
Learn About the Costs of College
College costs include a variety of fees and items, even some you might not expect. Estimating your expenses and creating and following a budget may help you control your college costs. If you are interested in a number of schools, learning which are most and least expensive may help you narrow your list of choices.
Different Ways to Pay for College
There are a variety of methods to help pay for your college education:
State Student Aid -- Even if you're not eligible for federal aid, you can still apply for financial aid from your state. Contact your state grant agency for more information on eligibility and deadlines.
Your College or Career School -- Many institutions offer financial aid from their own funds. They may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. To find out what might be available to you, contact your school’s financial aid office.
Organizations, Nonprofits, or Private Companies -- You may qualify for merit-based or financial need-based grants or scholarships. Some may accept your FAFSA information, but most have their own applications. This form of aid may be available for students who do not qualify for federal aid.
Savings Plans -- Many state governments have created 529 plans with tax advantages that make it easier for families to save for their child’s education. Visit collegesavings.org to learn about the plans available in each state.
In addition to costs, learn about other important factors to consider such as location, accreditation, and more as you research colleges and career schools.
Learn English
If you want to learn English or need to join an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for school or work, these resources can help you find local and online courses:
Schools or Nonprofit Organizations: If you live in the U.S., every state, county, and city has its own education programs and resources for learning English. If you have children, talk to their school staff, or contact a community college, university, or nonprofit organization to find local programs.
Internet: Learn English from home with the website USALearns.org or download the application to your phone or tablet to practice on the go. Listen to ShareAmerica.gov for audio conversations to learn English.
Libraries: In some communities, libraries offer English classes and materials to study. Find a library near you.
If you are concerned that you might have been scammed or overcharged by an ESL program, contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint.
Education Programs for People with Disabilities
Learn how to find local, state, and federal education programs and financial aid opportunities for people with disabilities.
Your state department of education or your local school board are your best resources for telling you about nearby programs and answering questions about state educational rights laws for people with disabilities.
College-bound students with intellectual disabilities may be eligible for financial aid programs including Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study programs. The Office for Federal Student Aid has specific information on loans, grants, and scholarships, and how to apply.
Contact the school you want to attend for additional information on special programs for people with disabilities.
Education Rights of People with Disabilities
Educational Rights Laws
Several federal laws establish and protect the education rights of people with disabilities.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees the right of eligible children with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education. This includes special education services specific to each child’s needs.
IDEA calls for schools to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each child with a disability. The law requires that schools include parents who want to be involved in their child’s IEP development team.
Disability Discrimination in Education
If you feel you or your child have been discriminated against at school, file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
You can also complain closer to home. Most education policy is made at the state or local level. Your school district or state is often the best place to start if you have questions or concerns about a policy or issue or feel your child’s educational rights have been violated.
Select your state to find contact information for its department of education, higher education agency, special education agency, and adult education agency.
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights offers an online pamphlet on the rights and responsibilities of students with a disability who are preparing for postsecondary education. It explains how schools must provide certain tools to students to avoid discrimination based on disability. Students must notify schools and document their needs. Schools must offer academic adjustments or modifications to help students participate in the classroom. For example, a school may offer course reading material in alternative text such as Braille.
Filing Education-Related Complaints
Fraud, Waste or Abuse of Federal Educational Funds
The Department of Education's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigates fraud, waste, and abuse of federal educational funds, including federal student aid.
You may contact the OIG by:
Calling 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733). Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 AM to 11 AM ET, and Tuesday and Thursday 1 PM to 3 PM. ET, except federal holidays.
Inspector General's Hotline Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202-1500 Fax: (202) 245-7047
Financial Aid Complaints
If you have done everything you can to resolve a student loan issue, use the contact form from the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group to help you resolve student loan complaints. They will work with you and the lender after you have tried other avenues to resolve your issue.
Special Education or Civil Rights Complaints
The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights enforces several federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the Department of Education. Contact their office directly at 1-800-421-3481 or locate one of their enforcement offices.
Educational Benefits for Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families
The Forever GI Bill of 2017 makes big changes to many veterans education benefits. Most changes expand or improve upon existing benefits. Highlights include:
Frequent military transfers can be a roadblock to getting your degree. But Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) can help. These civilian colleges and universities:
Simplify credit transfers
Reduce the number of credits you must earn at their school to get a degree
Give classes on or near military installations in the U.S., overseas, and on military ships
Offer distance learning programs
Offer degrees that match your military job
Are open to servicemembers and their families
For more information, talk to your unit's education officer.
Military Spouse Tuition Assistance
If you’re a military spouse, you can find help paying for college or vocational training too. There are a variety of scholarships, grants, and interest-free loans. Find sources of military spouse tuition assistance.
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