If you thought getting into school was tough, wait until you try to pay for it. At Chela, we've provided more than a million education loans to help students get a higher degree. We've got the tips and tools you need to get the financing you deserve. Follow these easy steps and you're sure to learn something valuable.

Eight Things You Should Know About Financial Aid

Calculate all expenses
Get a good start and use our In-School Budget Calculator, Expected Family Contribution Calculator and the Cost-of-Living Comparison Calculator.

Go for free money first
Scholarships and grants are awarded based on need, merit or a combination of both. A multitude of scholarships and grants are available to students of all backgrounds, talents and levels of ability. Check out the ScholarSearch in MyChela PowerTools to find free money that may be available to you!

Earn extra money through a Work-Study program
Ask your Financial Aid Administrator about Work-Study opportunities at your school or with school affiliates. You may be able to locate a job that can provide you with valuable experience and insight into the career you are interested in, as well as with extra money to help with college expenses.

Fill out the FAFSA
To qualify for government aid and school-based grants, you have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Just visit our FAFSA 411 section for all the info you need.

Get help from the government
A variety of affordable student loans are available to students through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Chela offers both the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans and the Federal PLUS Loan for parents.

Learn about private loans
If you find that you need additional money for housing, books, and other education-related expenses, you can take out a private—sometimes called alternative—loan. A private loan can cover the entire cost of your education (less other financial aid). Learn more about the private loans Chela offers through Nelnet, or apply now.

Understand Loan Repayment
Depending on the type of Private Loan or Federal Loan you have, you may be able to select from several different repayment options. Repayment terms also may vary depending on your private lender. Several types of loans from Chela offer special interest-rate discounts for on-time and electronic debit payments.

Consolidate Your Loans
If you have multiple federal loans, you may want to consider consolidating them into a single loan, such as the Chela/Nelnet Consolidation Loan. Monthly payments will be lower, and you'll have only one monthly payment to make.

Learn the language. From FAFSA to EFC, the financial aid process uses a lot of unfamiliar terminology. Find out exactly what your Financial Aid Administrator is talking about with our glossary of financial aid buzzwords.