To Do:

• Look into getting a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if you don’t have a high school diploma; try searching online for “GED certificate” and your state’s name.

• Research careers and the need for various jobs in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Or, for an interactive tool, try the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search.

• Use College Navigator to find the right school for your career intentions. Get tips on choosing a school.

• Check the Yellow Pages and ask employers to recommend schools that provide training in the skills you will need for the career you choose.

• Ask your employer if assistance is available to help you pay for school.

• Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search to find scholarships.

• Apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^SM).

• Get to know the financial aid staff at the school you plan to attend; they can help you with aid applications and explain the types of aid available.

To Explore:

• Ensure that you get your money’s worth out of your education by following the tips in these fact sheets:
• Choose a Career School Carefully
• Be an Informed Consumer … when it comes to federal student aid
• Learn about federal funding for your education.
• Discover why federal student loans are a better option than private loans.
• Use Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt to help you determine which loans to accept and how much to borrow.
• See how you might benefit from federal income tax credits for education expenses.