Going back to college can be a stressful time, but paying for it shouldn't be! Let us help you simplify the financial aid process by walking you through it. Just follow along!

1. Figure out how much you need. Our financial aid tools can help.
   
   
2. Contact the admissions offices of the schools you're considering to get admissions information, school applications, and financial aid information and deadlines.
   
   
3. Search for scholarships and grants. SunTrust is a good place to start!
   
   
4. Get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the FAFSA form with and submit it before the deadline. If you'd like, you can submit your FAFSA electronically.
   
   
5. After you file your FAFSA, you will get a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. Make sure the information in the report is correct, sign it and return it to the school or schools you're considering. You should receive an award package from each school detailing the types of aid you qualified for — federal education loans, grants, and work-study programs.
   
   
6. Be aware that as part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, a new PLUS Graduate Loan Program expands the PLUS loan eligibility to graduate and professional students. This may be an option for you.
   
   
7. Once you've selected your school, complete your Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note and/or the Federal PLUS Loan Application and Master Promissory Note and return it to your school by their deadline. Be sure you understand every detail of the loan, especially the repayment process.
   
   
8. Finally, if federal loans don't cover all of your education costs, look into private loan options from SunTrust to supplement your financial aid package.