The answer is now! Scholarship application deadlines are all year round, so it is never too early or too late to start applying. Remember that there are scholarships for students that have not yet been accepted by a university, so no need to wait. Get started today!

If your financial aid offer wasn't enough to cover your bill, we recommend you submit an appeal. Learn more about financial aid appeals here.

If you'll need a student loan to cover the rest, begin by researching the lender that will give you the best rate. Most private lenders allow you to answer a few questions risk-free and then get your estimated interest rate. You’re under no obligation to actually get the loan. We recommend checking with Earnest first. Get your rate estimate from Earnest here.