Help that's already out there.
A hand-picked list of trusted, free programs and tools for college aid, government benefits, money help, and taxes. Usually the hard part is knowing they exist.
Find help in your state
The national programs below point you to the right doors, but you apply through your state. Pick yours to get the official links that take your application.
Trusted national resources
Free, reputable programs and tools that work anywhere in the U.S.
College & scholarships
Start with ours
We keep our own scholarship list — 1220+ awards, verified and filtered for students.
No forms about you, nothing sold. Filter by where you are in school, undocumented-friendly awards, and more — over in the For Students section.
Browse the scholarship finderGovernment benefits & programs
- USA.gov benefit finder
Answer a few questions to find federal benefits you may qualify for.
- 211 (United Way)
Call or search for local help with food, housing, utilities, and more.
- SNAP food assistance
Check eligibility and apply for help paying for groceries.
- HealthCare.gov
Find health coverage, including free or low-cost Medicaid.
Money help & credit
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Plain-English guides on credit, loans, and your rights, plus a place to file complaints.
- AnnualCreditReport.com
The official site for your free credit reports. Don't pay anyone else for these.
- NFCC credit counseling
Connect with nonprofit, free or low-cost help for managing debt.
- FINRA BrokerCheck
Look up any broker or investment adviser free before you hand over money.
We don't run or control these organizations. They're here because they're free, reputable, and genuinely useful.
Double-check eligibility on the official site — and be wary of anyone charging you for help that's free.