Loan programs and planners

Learn more: Loan programs and planners

Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, www.hecb.wa.gov/paying Tailor-made for Washington residents: a directory of state-sponsored financial-aid programs.

Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program, www.get.wa.gov/ Everything you ever wanted to know about Washington state's own prepaid-tuition program.

The Northwest Education Loan Association, www.nela.net Help with loan programs, tax breaks and budgeting for college. Includes calculator to estimate how much aid you might qualify for.

College Savings Plans Network, www.collegesavings.org Skinny on state-sponsored college-savings plans throughout the U.S.

National Institute of Certified College Planners,

www.niccp.com

Help finding a local

financial planner

FinAid, The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid, www.finaid.orgOne-stop shop full of financial-aid FAQs, calculators, aid-application guidance and scholarship search. "Ask the Aid Adviser" feature offers personalized help from a financial-aid professional.

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, www.nasfaa.org/ User-friendly summary of state savings plans, guide to federal tax benefits for tuition and fees, and more.

Funding Your Education, www.studentaid.ed.gov/pubs By U.S. Department of Education; features free Guide to Federal Student Aid in English and Spanish; link to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).