If you can't find financial aid information in your research, you may need to contact each school's Financial Aid Office (FAO). Remember these offices are very busy at the beginning of each enrollment period (semester, trimester, or quarter), so try to schedule your call when things are a little less hectic for them.

Before you call, check out our Paying for College section, which can give you a speedy education on the language of financial aid.

Ask what the school offers in the way of financial aid. Find out how many students at the school get grants, scholarships, work-study, part-time jobs, and student loans. Ask things like:

• What federal loan programs does the school participate in? The Perkins loan program? Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP)? The Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP)? Find out more information on federal loans.

• Does the school offer merit scholarships? Will they renew each year, as long as you keep up your grade point average?

• Does the school offer payment plans? This lets you spread tuition payments over the whole semester.

• What about work-study programs or jobs on campus?

• Does the school have campus-based loan programs?

The FAO can also help you understand student loans and the implications of borrowing. Ask for tips on cutting your loan costs and which lenders the school recommends.

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