College Planning Guide for Parents
of High School Students

Need help with the college planning process?

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help parents through every step of the college planning process. From starting the college conversation to visiting campus, our tools and resources will help answer questions you may have about helping your child get a college education.

For starters, you might want to check out our College Planning Checklist that outlines some initial steps before you hop into the rest of our guide. And if your children are years away from applying to college, start planning early with our tips for How to Set Up a College Fund.

Figuring Out How to Pay for College

If you’re already looking at colleges for your child, you might think it’s too late to start thinking about saving. However, there are a number of things you can do to shore up your finances even while your child is in high school.

Choosing a School and Major

Your child might need some help when it comes to figuring out which school or program will work best for their goals and your family’s financial situation. Learn more about how to help them make the right choice.

Helping Your Child With Tests and Applications

The college application process can be overwhelming. Below are some resources to help your child
get ready for tests and apply (and hopefully get accepted!) to the perfect school.

Financial Aid 101

Learn more about the financial aid options available for your child — including both federal and private student loans.

Questions about paying for college? Speak with a specialist.

Know your options and break down your financial aid package with someone who gets it.

Schedule a call today — there’s no cost or commitment, just solid advice.

Student Loan Information

Thinking about using student loans to help afford your child’s tuition? Read the articles below to get more information on different types of student loans that may work for your family.

What you need to know about student loans, grants, and scholarships.

Depending on where your school is, you have different options when it comes to getting the money you need to pay for school. Here are some resources to help.

Select your state to get started:

Move-In Day and Beyond

Even after you’ve said your goodbyes, your child may need a bit of help getting adjusted. Here are some ways you can continue to support your child during their first weeks of school.

Frequently asked questions

Fast and Easy Private Student Loans

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


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