"College is a big adventure—and planning ahead for tuition and fees means fewer money surprises down the road. When you’re not stressing about costs, it’s easier to stay focused in class, make awesome memories, and actually enjoy the college journey."
This episode of Crash Course: How to College explains how need-based financial aid really works. It walks you through the FAFSA and breaks down the Student Aid Index (SAI)—a number colleges use to decide how much help you’ll get. You’ll learn how your family’s income and other factors affect your eligibility for grants, work-study, and federal loans. Whether you’re a student or a parent, this video makes a tricky topic easier to understand so you can get the most financial support possible.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but this video makes it easier to understand. You’ll learn about all the different costs of college—like tuition, housing, and books—and how to cover them using financial aid, scholarships, grants, and smart planning. Whether you’re a student or a parent, this episode gives helpful tips to make college more affordable and less stressful.
Based on merit, need, athletics, hobbies, identity, or intended major
Offered by colleges, nonprofits, businesses, religious groups, etc.
Examples: Coca-Cola Scholars, Gates Millennium, local community scholarships
Federal Grants (e.g., Pell Grant, FSEOG)
State Grants (varies by state)
Institutional Grants (from the college itself)
Based mostly on financial need (based on FAFSA/financial aid forms)
Employer Tuition Assistance
Some employers (e.g., Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart) help pay for employees' college
May include reimbursement or upfront coverage
Subsidized Loans (government pays interest while in school)
Unsubsidized Loans (interest accrues while in school)
Generally lower interest and more repayment protections than private loans
Federal loan taken out by parents of dependent undergraduates
Higher limits, but based on credit
From banks, credit unions, online lenders
Usually require a co-signer
Less flexible repayment options; higher interest possible
3 : Earned Money (Work For It)
Federal Work-Study
Part-time jobs on or near campus
Based on financial need (determined by FAFSA)
Regular Part-Time Job
Not tied to financial aid
Students often work on/off campus in retail, food service, tutoring, etc.
Internships
Some paid internships can help fund education and build your resume
4 : Other Resources & Strategies
529 College Savings Plans
Tax-advantaged savings plans specifically for education
Often started by parents or guardians
Military Benefits
GI Bill and Tuition Assistance programs
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships
National Guard/state military programs
Apprenticeships & Employer-Sponsored Training
Learn while you earn; may lead to college credit or certifications
Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Some jobs offer to repay part of your tuition after employment (often after graduation or while working)
AmeriCorps / Peace Corps
Serve and earn education awards or loan forgiveness
Tax Credits
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)
Crowdfunding or Gifts
Some students receive money from family/friends or use platforms like GoFundMe
The Nevada State Treasurer’s Office is pleased to provide the following list of scholarships and grants available to Nevada students pursuing post-secondary education. These opportunities are designed to help reduce the financial burden of college and support students in achieving their academic and career goals.
The Public Education Foundation is proud to support Nevada students in their pursuit of post-secondary education by providing a wide range of scholarships. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of community partners, donors, and organizations committed to helping students achieve their educational goals.
Going Merry is a free, user-friendly platform that helps students find and apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid—all in one place. By streamlining the application process and matching students with opportunities they’re eligible for, Going Merry makes it easier to fund your post-secondary education.