 TITLE: How to Get More Financial Aid After COVID-19 CONTENT: Do I Need to Borrow More Money?\n-------------------------------\nScholarships, grants and work-study programs are all forms of financial aid, and depending on the changes to your FAFSA or CSS profile, you may qualify for more aid in these areas than you normally would.\nHowever, the increases may not be enough to bridge the gap between your costs for next year and what you can afford. If that's the case, you may need to borrow money in the form of student loans.\nBefore you do so, make sure you've exhausted all other options. Research scholarship opportunities with your school, and visit websites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb to see if you qualify for scholarships and grants from private organizations.\nIf you still need money, focus on federal student loans first. The U.S. Department of Education offers subsidized loans to students with financial need. The federal government pays your interest on these loans while you're enrolled in school at least half-time, during the six-month grace period after you leave school or fall below half-time enrollment, and during deferment periods in the future.\nEven if you don't qualify for enough subsidized loans to cover your remaining expenses, unsubsidized federal loans don't require a credit check and may provide lower interest rates than what a college student could get with private student loans.\nBorrowing money for college isn't ideal, but it can make it possible for you to stay in school. END