Paying for College, 2026: Everything You Need to Maximize Financial Aid and Afford College

A SMARTER WAY TO PAY FOR COLLEGE. Take control of your financial aid experience with this essential guide—the only annual guidebook with line-by-line instructions for completing the FAFSA aid forms!

“A first-rate guide through the financial aid maze.” —Lynn Brenner, Newsday

“Can save thousands in college bills.” —John Wasik, Forbes

Financing a college education is a daunting task no matter your circumstances—and the recent rollout of the redesigned FAFSA hasn't made things any easier. College finance guru Kalman Chany and the experts at The Princeton Review come prepared with line-by-line instructions for filling out the latest iteration of the FAFSA, and consumer-friendly advice to minimize college costs. Take control with Paying for College, which will help you:

• Maximize your financial aid eligibility
• Explore long- and short-term strategies to reduce college costs and avoid expensive mistakes
• Complete every question on the FAFSA and CSS Profile aid applications to your best advantage
• Compare aid offers and learn how to appeal them if necessary
• Get advice for handling the impact of FAFSA Simplification