Helpful Links & Resources
Please note: The university does not have control over the content of the external web sites listed below. Some of these sites may be funded by an educational lending institution that may be soliciting business. Please read privacy and information sharing policies on each site carefully before providing any information. If you have any concerns regarding the sites please contact Financial Aid Services at (413) 545-0801.
Financial Aid Overviews
College.gov: A Web site created by the U. S. Department of Education to provide relevant, comprehensive information about why to go to, how to go to, and how to pay for college or other postsecondary education programs.
FinAid!: An excellent site, offering information for students and families on all aspects of financial aid. Resources include information on scholarships and loans as well as calculators to help you estimate everything from your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to monthly loan repayment amounts after graduation.
Student Aid On the Web: The federal government student aid portal - your one stop site for all things related to federal student financial aid.
The Student Guide: Published by the U.S. Department of Education, this is the most comprehensive resource on student financial aid.
Federal Student Aid: The Web site of the federal agency that administers all aspects of federal student aid. You will find information on applying for aid, eligibility, and repayment of federal student loans, among other topics.
EduPass: This site, created by FinAid! provides extensive information on financial aid for international students studying in the United States.
Applying for Financial Aid
FAFSA Web Site: you can complete and submit your application online. We encourage you to submit the application this way, if you are able, because built-in edits will help you immediately detect and correct any errors you may make.
FAFSA Help: This Web site explains how to properly complete the FAFSA, the purpose of the FAFSA questions, and how information should be reported in unusual cases.
Answering FAFSA Question #23: A new law suspends federal student aid eligibility for students convicted under federal or state laws regarding the possession or sale of drugs (not including alcohol or tobacco). The Question 35 Worksheet will help you determine whether this law affects your eligibility for federal student aid.
Federal Student Aid PIN Web site: Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or a duplicate PIN, and make changes to your PIN.
Title IV School Code: Locate the Title IV School Code of schools that participate in the federal student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Scholarships, Grants, and Tuition Waivers
University of Massachusetts system-wide scholarship database: This database allows current and prospective students to search listings of scholarships available at each of the five University of Massachusetts campuses.
FastWeb: A free scholarship search on the Internet, matching students with 275,000 different scholarships.
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA): OFSA helps residents of Massachusetts and their families find financial resources to help pay for their education.
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts: Administers scholarships for students who live in Western Massachusetts.
Loan Assistance
Direct Loan Information: Learn about applying for Direct Loans and the options you have for repayment, use the interactive calculators, download Direct Loan deferment and forbearance forms, and get information about Direct Loan Consolidation.
Direct Loan Servicing Online: This Web site is for students who have Direct Loans or are considering financing an education and want to know more about Direct Loans. You may use your PIN to access specific information about your account and payments due.
Direct Loan Master Promissory Note: Complete your William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan promissory note online.
Federal Perkins Loans: This website is for students who are about to go into or are already in repayment of their Federal Perkins Loan. Find Information about Federal Perkins Loan repayment. Download deferment, cancellation and forbearance forms. Complete your Federal Perkins Loan Exit Interview.
The National Student Loan Data Systems: An online tool to obtain information regarding your student loan history, overpayments, and enrollment history.
Students.gov: A Web site designed for college students and their families, providing a range of information and resources from the U.S. government
Veterans Information
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Information on education and other benefits for veterans.
Massachusetts Veterans Information: The Massachusetts Board of Education page on veterans' education.
General Information on Higher Education and Financial Aid
U.S. Department of Education: Information on a range of topics including financial aid and higher education.
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA): Provides information for students, parents, and financial aid administrators.
Money Management and Personal Finance
Practical Money Skills: Excellent Web site explaining how to manage your money and develop budgeting skills.
Mapping Your Future: Career planning Web site dedicated to choosing a college or university, developing financial aid literacy, and online loan counseling.
You Can Deal With It: Site providing practical advice on credit cards and other financial matters.
