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. Figuring out your expenses and creating and following a budget may help you control your college costs. If you are interested in more than one school, comparing their costs may help you narrow your choices.
Different Ways to Pay for College
There are many ways to help pay for your college education:
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 government education programs and financial aid for people with disabilities.
Filing Education-Related Complaints
Be aware of these resources to contact if:
You experience discrimination in education programs or activities
You suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of federal education funds
You have a complaint about your student loan lender that you've tried unsuccessfully to resolve
Fraud, Waste, or Abuse of Federal Educational Funds
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of federal student aid, contact the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Education.
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.
Downloading the Hotline Complaint Form. After completing it, mail or fax it to:
Inspector General's Hotline
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-1500
Fax: (202) 245-7047
Financial Aid Complaints
If you have done everything you can to resolve a student loan issue, contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group. They will work with you and the lender to resolve your complaints after you have tried other avenues without success.
Special Education or Civil Rights Complaints
The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights enforces several federal civil rights laws. These laws prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive Education Department funds. Contact their office at 1-800-421-3481.
Education Benefits for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families
If you were or are in the military, you may be eligible for veterans education benefits. If you’re a spouse or dependent, you may qualify too.
Forever GI Bill
The Forever GI Bill, signed in 2017, made changes to many veterans education benefits. Most changes expanded or improved upon prior benefits. Highlights include:
Restoring education benefits to people who lost them because their school closed
Eliminating the 15-year time limit for those who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013
See a detailed list of Forever GI Bill changes.
Military Tuition Assistance
If you are in the military now, your unit may pay for your tuition if you attend college in your off-duty time.
Military Spouse Tuition Assistance
If you’re a military spouse, you can find help paying for college or vocational training too. There are many scholarships, grants, and interest-free loans. Find sources of military spouse tuition assistance.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
Last Updated: November 17, 2022
