Parent Playbook for College Planning by State

Introduction

Helping a student plan for college or career training can feel like trying to solve 50 different puzzles at once. In many ways, it is. The basic questions are similar everywhere: What can our family afford? Which schools fit the student’s goals? What aid is available? Will credits transfer? What career path does this program support? But the answers often change by state.

A family in Georgia may need to understand HOPE and Zell Miller. A family in California may need to compare UC, CSU, California Community Colleges, Cal Grant, and transfer pathways. A family in Tennessee may need to understand Tennessee Promise, HOPE, and Tennessee Reconnect. A family in Wyoming may need to review the Hathaway Scholarship. The federal FAFSA matters almost everywhere, but state priority deadlines, scholarship rules, residency policies, and transfer agreements can vary sharply.

This guide gives parents a national planning framework and a state-by-state map of what to research first. It is designed for families supporting high school students, transfer students, community college students, adult learners, and students considering career or technical education.

Start With the National Rules, Then Add State Details

Every family should begin with three national tools: FAFSA, official cost data, and career or apprenticeship research. Federal Student Aid explains that the FAFSA is used to apply for federal student aid, and many states and colleges also use FAFSA information for their own aid programs (Federal Student Aid, n.d.). The 2026–27 FAFSA is open, and the federal deadline for that aid year is June 30, 2027, but families should not wait for the federal deadline because state and college priority deadlines can come much earlier (Federal Student Aid, n.d.; USA.gov, 2026).

Parents should also look beyond tuition. NCES College Navigator lets families search U.S. colleges by location, program, tuition, net price, enrollment, and other college data, while the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard lets families compare fields of study, costs, graduation rates, and post-college earnings data where available (National Center for Education Statistics, n.d.; U.S. Department of Education, n.d.).

For students who want a work-based route, Registered Apprenticeship can be part of the college and career conversation. The U.S. Department of Labor describes Registered Apprenticeship as a structured earn-and-learn model that combines paid work, classroom instruction, mentorship, and an industry-recognized credential (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.). Apprenticeship.gov also connects students and families to apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation (Apprenticeship.gov, n.d.).

What Parents Should Research in Every State

Before building a college list, families should identify the state’s public higher education system, community college system, financial aid agency, transfer rules, and workforce priorities. This matters because some states have strong statewide transfer guarantees, some have large merit scholarship programs, some focus aid on community college, and some support adults returning to school.

Parents should ask five questions early:

What is the real net price after grants and scholarships?
Tuition is not the full cost. Housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, insurance, technology, and program fees can change the budget.
Which aid programs are state-specific?
Some state scholarships require FAFSA, residency, GPA, service commitments, specific high school courses, full-time enrollment, or enrollment at eligible in-state institutions.
How does transfer work?
A community college pathway can save money, but only if the student chooses transferable courses and understands major requirements.
What career does the program connect to?
Some degrees and certificates lead to licensed fields. Families should check accreditation, licensure, clinical requirements, certification exams, and job placement support.
What support does the student need to succeed?
Advising, tutoring, disability services, mental health counseling, transportation, housing support, food support, and career services can matter as much as admissions selectivity.

The 50-State Parent Planning Map

Use this table as a starting point. It is not a substitute for official state, college, or scholarship pages. Aid programs and deadlines change, so families should verify every requirement for the student’s actual enrollment year.

State	State-Specific Points Parents Should Check First
Alabama	Review the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and Alabama Student Assistance Program for need-based aid, state scholarships, and teacher-related programs such as AMSTEP. Also compare the University of Alabama System, Auburn, regional publics, private HBCUs, and the Alabama Community College System (Alabama Commission on Higher Education, n.d.).
Alaska	Check the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education for state loans, grants, scholarships, FAFSA support, and career or technical training resources. Families should pay close attention to distance, travel costs, online options, and programs through the University of Alaska system (Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, n.d.).
Arizona	Arizona families should review the Arizona Promise Program, which is designed to help eligible students cover tuition and fees at participating Arizona public universities. Compare Arizona’s public universities, community colleges, transfer routes, and high-demand fields such as healthcare, education, technology, and advanced manufacturing (Arizona Board of Regents, n.d.).
Arkansas	Review Arkansas Division of Higher Education aid programs, especially the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which is funded by the state lottery and supports eligible Arkansas residents. Families should also compare community college transfer routes and career programs linked to regional workforce needs (Arkansas Division of Higher Education, n.d.).
California	California requires a more detailed plan because families may compare the University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, and California College Promise Grant. Transfer-focused students should research Associate Degree for Transfer options and UC transfer pathways early (California Student Aid Commission, n.d.).
Colorado	Colorado families should review the College Opportunity Fund stipend for eligible in-state undergraduate students, FAFSA/CASFA options, and state financial aid resources through the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Also compare public four-year institutions, community colleges, and mountain or rural access needs (Colorado Department of Higher Education, n.d.).
Connecticut	Connecticut families should review the Office of Higher Education’s student aid programs, including the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program. Because Connecticut students often compare in-state, nearby regional, and private colleges, families should use net price rather than sticker price alone (Connecticut Office of Higher Education, n.d.).
Delaware	Delaware families should review the Delaware Higher Education Office, SEED Scholarship, and state scholarship deadlines. Because Delaware is small, students may compare Delaware public colleges, Delaware Tech, private colleges, and out-of-state options, so residency and transfer planning matter (Delaware Higher Education Office, n.d.).
Florida	Florida families should review Bright Futures, the Florida Student Assistance Grant, Florida’s public university system, and the Florida College System. Transfer students should understand the state’s strong 2+2 pathway and articulation rules before choosing courses (Florida Department of Education, n.d.).
Georgia	Georgia families should review HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant, and Zell Miller Scholarship rules through Georgia Student Finance Commission. GPA, rigor, residency, and enrollment rules can matter, so parents should check renewal requirements before assuming aid will last all four years (Georgia Student Finance Commission, n.d.).
Hawaii	Hawaii families should review the Hawaii Promise Scholarship for eligible University of Hawaii Community College students. Because island-to-island travel, housing, and program availability can affect fit, families should compare campus location, online options, and transfer routes within the University of Hawaii system (University of Hawaii, n.d.).
Idaho	Idaho families should review the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship and the Scholarship Idaho portal, which organizes several state aid opportunities. Families should also compare Idaho’s public colleges, regional access, transfer programs, and career pathways in healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, and skilled trades (Idaho State Board of Education, n.d.).
Illinois	Illinois families should review the Monetary Award Program, commonly called MAP, through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Qualifying undocumented students should also review the state’s Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Illinois Student Assistance Commission, n.d.).
Indiana	Indiana families should review the Frank O’Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholars. The 21st Century Scholars program can cover up to full tuition at eligible Indiana colleges for students who meet program requirements, so families should check enrollment timing and success requirements early (Indiana Commission for Higher Education, n.d.).
Iowa	Iowa families should review Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship for eligible high-demand programs at Iowa community colleges. This is especially important for students considering healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, education, or other workforce-linked programs (Iowa College Aid, n.d.).
Kansas	Kansas families should review the Kansas Promise Scholarship, which focuses on eligible two-year and certificate programs tied to high-wage, high-demand, or critical-need fields. Families should also understand any service or work requirements connected to the award (Kansas Board of Regents, n.d.).
Kentucky	Kentucky families should review aid programs through KHEAA, including KEES, Work Ready Kentucky, and other state grants or scholarships. Career-focused students should look closely at community and technical college options connected to healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and education (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, n.d.).
Louisiana	Louisiana families should review TOPS and GO Grant through LOSFA. Since TOPS has academic eligibility rules and GO Grant is need-based, parents should compare merit, need-based, institutional, and federal aid separately (Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, n.d.).
Maine	Maine families should review the Maine State Grant and Maine Free College Scholarship for eligible community college students. Because many students consider both in-state and nearby New England options, families should compare portability, residency, and community college transfer routes (Finance Authority of Maine, n.d.).
Maryland	Maryland families should review the Guaranteed Access Grant and Community College Promise Scholarship through the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Because Maryland students often compare public universities, community colleges, private colleges, and nearby D.C. or Virginia options, net price matters (Maryland Higher Education Commission, n.d.).
Massachusetts	Massachusetts families should review MASSGrant, MASSGrant Plus, and MassEducate, which supports tuition- and fee-free community college for eligible students. Families should compare public universities, community colleges, private colleges, and the high cost of living in some regions (Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, n.d.).
Michigan	Michigan families should review the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for recent high school graduates and Michigan Reconnect for eligible adult learners. Students considering career training should compare community colleges, regional universities, apprenticeships, and programs tied to healthcare, mobility, manufacturing, and technology (Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, n.d.).
Minnesota	Minnesota families should review the North Star Promise program, which can cover tuition and fees for eligible students after other aid is applied. Families should also compare public colleges, tribal colleges, private colleges, and pathways for adults and transfer students (Minnesota Office of Higher Education, n.d.).
Mississippi	Mississippi families should review HELP, MTAG, MESG, and other state aid programs through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Parents should check whether awards are merit-based, need-based, full-time only, or tied to specific residency and academic requirements (Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, n.d.).
Missouri	Missouri families should review Access Missouri and the A+ Scholarship Program. A+ can support eligible graduates of designated A+ high schools at participating community colleges and technical schools, so high school participation rules matter early (Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, n.d.).
Montana	Montana families should review Montana University System scholarships and the Award Montana Portal. Students should compare campus distance, housing, transfer routes, tribal college options, and career programs connected to healthcare, agriculture, education, natural resources, and trades (Montana University System, n.d.).
Nebraska	Nebraska families should review the Nebraska Opportunity Grant and Nebraska Promise. The Nebraska Promise can help cover tuition for eligible University of Nebraska students, but families should still budget for fees, books, housing, food, and transportation (Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, n.d.; University of Nebraska, n.d.).
Nevada	Nevada families should review the Nevada Promise Scholarship for eligible community college students. Because the scholarship is last-dollar, families should understand which charges are covered and which costs, such as books, housing, transportation, or personal expenses, remain (Nevada System of Higher Education, n.d.).
New Hampshire	New Hampshire families should pay close attention to institutional aid, community college pathways, and private scholarship sources such as the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Because state-specific grant options are more limited than in some states, comparing net price across institutions is especially important (New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, n.d.).
New Jersey	New Jersey families should review HESAA programs including TAG, Community College Opportunity Grant, and Garden State Guarantee. Eligibility can depend on income, enrollment intensity, residency, FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application completion, and institution type (New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, n.d.).
New Mexico	New Mexico families should review the Opportunity Scholarship and Lottery Scholarship. These programs can significantly change affordability at New Mexico public colleges, but families should check eligibility, credit-hour rules, GPA rules, and whether fees or other costs are covered (New Mexico Higher Education Department, n.d.).
New York	New York families should review TAP and Excelsior Scholarship through HESC. Families should also compare SUNY, CUNY, private colleges, opportunity programs, transfer routes, and cost differences between commuting, residential campuses, and New York City living (New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, n.d.).
North Carolina	North Carolina families should review Next NC Scholarship and programs through NCSEAA. Next NC can provide meaningful aid for eligible households, and families should compare community college, UNC System, private college, and transfer pathways carefully (North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, n.d.).
North Dakota	North Dakota families should review ND Career Builders, which supports workforce pathways through scholarship and loan repayment opportunities. Families should compare campus distance, regional access, energy, healthcare, education, agriculture, and technical workforce programs (North Dakota University System, n.d.).
Ohio	Ohio families should review the Ohio College Opportunity Grant and Choose Ohio First for eligible STEM-related programs. Families should also compare public universities, community colleges, regional campuses, private colleges, and transfer options through Ohio’s higher education system (Ohio Department of Higher Education, n.d.).
Oklahoma	Oklahoma families should review Oklahoma’s Promise and OTAG. Oklahoma’s Promise has income, academic, conduct, and deadline rules, and families should note that some college costs may not be covered by the scholarship (Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, n.d.).
Oregon	Oregon families should review Oregon Opportunity Grant and Oregon Promise. Oregon Promise focuses on recent high school or GED graduates attending Oregon community colleges, so families should compare eligibility, transfer plans, and remaining costs (Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion, n.d.).
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania families should review the PA State Grant through PHEAA and compare state grant eligibility with institutional aid. Because Pennsylvania has many public, state-related, community college, and private options, net price comparisons are especially important (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, n.d.).
Rhode Island	Rhode Island families should review Rhode Island Promise, which supports eligible students attending the Community College of Rhode Island. Families should also compare transfer pathways to Rhode Island College, the University of Rhode Island, and private institutions (Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, n.d.).
South Carolina	South Carolina families should review state scholarships such as Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, HOPE, and need-based grant options through the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. Academic eligibility and renewal rules are important before counting on multi-year aid (South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, n.d.).
South Dakota	South Dakota families should review Dakota Corps and Build Dakota scholarships. Build Dakota focuses on high-demand technical programs, so students considering skilled trades, healthcare, agriculture technology, and technical fields should examine service or employment expectations carefully (South Dakota Board of Regents, n.d.; Build Dakota Scholarship Fund, n.d.).
Tennessee	Tennessee families should review Tennessee Promise, Tennessee HOPE, and Tennessee Reconnect. Tennessee Promise supports recent high school graduates, while Tennessee Reconnect is designed for adults pursuing eligible associate degrees or technical certificates (Tennessee Higher Education Commission, n.d.).
Texas	Texas families should review THECB aid programs such as TEXAS Grant and Texas Transfer Grant, as well as ApplyTexas for applications to Texas public universities, community colleges, and many private institutions. Transfer planning matters because Texas has many public systems and institution-specific major requirements (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, n.d.; ApplyTexas, n.d.).
Utah	Utah families should review the Utah Promise Grant and Opportunity Scholarship. Parents should also compare public universities, technical colleges, religiously affiliated institutions, transfer routes, and career programs connected to healthcare, technology, education, construction, and advanced manufacturing (Utah System of Higher Education, n.d.).
Vermont	Vermont families should review VSAC grants, scholarships, and career training support. Vermont grants may help residents attend eligible programs in or outside Vermont, so families should compare portability, net price, and transfer opportunities (Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, n.d.).
Virginia	Virginia families should review VTAG for eligible students at participating private nonprofit colleges and the Two-Year College Transfer Grant for eligible transfer students. Families should also study guaranteed admission agreements between Virginia community colleges and four-year institutions (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, n.d.).
Washington	Washington families should review Washington College Grant and College Bound. Washington College Grant can support eligible students in college, career training, and approved apprenticeship pathways, so parents should compare both degree and workforce routes (Washington Student Achievement Council, n.d.).
West Virginia	West Virginia families should review PROMISE Scholarship and WV Invests. WV Invests is a last-dollar program for eligible certificate and associate degree pathways in high-demand fields, so families should check program lists and remaining costs carefully (College for West Virginia, n.d.).
Wisconsin	Wisconsin families should review HEAB financial aid programs, including the Wisconsin Grant, and tuition reciprocity information where relevant. Families should also compare University of Wisconsin campuses, Wisconsin Technical College System programs, private colleges, and transfer routes (Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board, n.d.).
Wyoming	Wyoming families should review the Hathaway Scholarship, which supports eligible Wyoming students attending the University of Wyoming or Wyoming community colleges. Families should check merit levels, need-based components, legislative updates, and renewal rules before planning costs (Wyoming Department of Education, n.d.).

How State Aid Programs Usually Differ

Parents often hear “free college” or “promise scholarship” and assume all costs are covered. That can be misleading. Many state programs are last-dollar programs, which means they apply after other grants and scholarships. Some cover tuition only. Some cover tuition and mandatory fees. Others do not cover books, housing, meals, transportation, health insurance, tools, certification exams, or personal expenses.

Families should check four details before relying on any state aid program:

Eligibility: residency, income, GPA, citizenship or state alternative application rules, high school graduation year, age, or enrollment level.
Covered costs: tuition only, tuition and fees, direct costs, or broader cost of attendance.
Renewal rules: GPA, completed credits, full-time status, service commitment, or annual FAFSA.
Eligible institutions and programs: public colleges only, community colleges only, technical programs only, private colleges, apprenticeships, or specific high-demand fields.

This is why a student’s lowest-cost option in one state may not be the same as the lowest-cost option in another.

Community College and Transfer: A Smart Path When Planned Carefully

Community college can be a strong route for students who want to save money, explore majors, improve academic readiness, complete a career credential, or transfer to a four-year college. But transfer only works smoothly when the student takes the right courses in the right sequence.

Parents should ask the community college and the intended four-year college these questions:

Is there a formal transfer agreement?
Does the student need a specific associate degree?
Will credits count toward the major or only as electives?
What GPA is needed to transfer?
Are some majors more selective than general admission?
Are there transfer scholarships?
Does the student need to complete prerequisites before applying?
Who will confirm the course plan each semester?

States such as California, Florida, Virginia, and others have well-known transfer structures, but even in strong transfer states, major-specific requirements can matter. Nursing, engineering, business, computer science, education, and architecture often require careful sequencing.

Career, Technical, and Apprenticeship Pathways

A four-year degree is not the only serious postsecondary option. Certificates, applied associate degrees, technical diplomas, and apprenticeships can lead to strong pathways, especially in fields such as healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, public safety, logistics, energy, agriculture, aviation, maritime industries, and early childhood education.

Parents should still evaluate these programs carefully. Ask:

Is the program accredited or approved by the relevant licensing body?
Does it prepare the student for a certification or licensure exam?
Are tools, uniforms, background checks, drug screens, clinical fees, or exam fees extra?
Does the program publish completion or placement information?
Can credits transfer into a future associate or bachelor’s degree?
Is the job physically demanding, seasonal, union-based, travel-heavy, or shift-based?
Are local employers actively hiring from the program?

For apprenticeship routes, families should confirm whether the opportunity is a Registered Apprenticeship, whether the student is paid, what classroom instruction is required, and what credential is earned at completion (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.).

A Parent Timeline for College and Career Planning

9th and 10th Grade: Explore and Build Habits

Parents can help students connect school subjects to possible careers. This is a good time to build study habits, try clubs or activities, visit nearby campuses informally, learn about career clusters, and keep a simple list of achievements.

Families should also begin honest cost conversations. Students do not need the full family financial picture at age 14, but they should understand that cost, aid, debt, location, and program fit will all matter.

11th Grade: Build the List

Junior year is the time to compare options more seriously. Students can research colleges, career programs, apprenticeships, admission requirements, testing policies, dual enrollment options, and scholarship possibilities.

Parents can help by creating a shared calendar with:

Testing dates, if needed
College fair dates
Campus visit dates
Application opening dates
Scholarship deadlines
FAFSA opening date
State aid priority dates
Transcript request deadlines

Summer Before 12th Grade: Prepare the Materials

Students should start essays, gather activities, create application accounts, research scholarship deadlines, and narrow their list. Families should estimate cost before applications are submitted. A college that looks exciting but is far outside the budget should be discussed honestly before the student becomes emotionally attached.

12th Grade: Apply, Compare, Decide

Senior year is not just about admission. It is also about affordability and readiness. Students should submit applications, complete FAFSA and required state forms, apply for scholarships, compare financial aid letters, attend admitted student events, and confirm housing, orientation, final transcripts, and placement testing.

Parents should help students compare financial aid offers line by line. Grants and scholarships are different from loans. Work-study is not the same as a discount. Parent PLUS Loans are parent debt, not student grants.

Transfer and Adult Learners

Transfer and adult learners should start with transcripts. Before enrolling, they should ask how many credits transfer, how many credits remain, whether the program is offered online or in the evening, whether prior learning credit is available, and whether the program qualifies for aid.

Adult learners should also ask employers about tuition assistance and check state programs such as Michigan Reconnect, Tennessee Reconnect, and similar adult-focused opportunities where available.

Questions Parents Should Ask Before a Student Commits

Before the student says yes, families should be able to answer these questions:

What is the estimated net price for the first year?
What is the likely cost for years two, three, and four?
Which aid is renewable, and what rules keep it active?
How much debt would the student and parent take on?
What is the student’s intended major or pathway?
What happens if the student changes majors?
Is the college strong in advising, tutoring, mental health, and career support?
Are internships, clinicals, co-ops, student teaching, labs, or apprenticeships required?
Does the student need a car, or is transportation available?
Is housing guaranteed, optional, or required?
Are credits likely to transfer?
What is the next deadline after admission?

A good college choice is not just the school with the best name. It is the option that fits the student’s academic goals, family budget, support needs, and next-step plan.

Conclusion

College planning is national and local at the same time. FAFSA, net price, admissions materials, and career goals matter everywhere. But state aid, transfer agreements, public systems, tuition rules, and workforce programs can change the best path for a student.

Parents can help most by staying organized, checking official sources, asking direct questions, and comparing options without panic. A student in California may need a transfer strategy across UC, CSU, and community colleges. A student in Georgia may need to protect HOPE eligibility. A student in Tennessee may compare Promise, HOPE, and Reconnect. A student in New Mexico may find that state scholarships change the cost picture dramatically. A student in New Hampshire may need a sharper focus on institutional and private aid.

The best plan starts with the student’s goals, then adds cost, support, location, transfer, and career fit. Families do not need to know everything at once. They need a clear process and reliable sources.

Take the Next Step with UniAtlas

Families can use UniAtlas to search universities, compare options, explore programs, review scholarships, and organize planning steps in one place. Students working on applications can also use the Essay Workshop to brainstorm, draft, and improve essays while keeping their own voice and final control.

UniAtlas can support the planning process, but families should always confirm deadlines, costs, transfer rules, scholarship eligibility, and admissions requirements with official state, college, and financial aid sources.

References

Alabama Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). Grants and scholarships. https://ache.edu

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. (n.d.). Financial aid and college planning resources. https://acpe.alaska.gov

Apprenticeship.gov. (n.d.). Apprenticeship job finder. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.apprenticeship.gov

ApplyTexas. (n.d.). ApplyTexas. https://www.applytexas.org

Arizona Board of Regents. (n.d.). Arizona Promise Program. https://www.azregents.edu

Arkansas Division of Higher Education. (n.d.). Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. https://sams.adhe.edu

Build Dakota Scholarship Fund. (n.d.). Build Dakota scholarships. https://builddakotascholarships.com

California Student Aid Commission. (n.d.). Financial aid programs. https://www.csac.ca.gov

College for West Virginia. (n.d.). West Virginia financial aid programs. https://www.cfwv.com

Colorado Department of Higher Education. (n.d.). College Opportunity Fund and financial aid for students. https://cdhe.colorado.gov

Connecticut Office of Higher Education. (n.d.). Student financial aid. https://www.ohe.ct.gov

Delaware Higher Education Office. (n.d.). Scholarships and financial aid. https://education.delaware.gov

Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). FAFSA® application deadlines. U.S. Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines

Finance Authority of Maine. (n.d.). Maine grants and scholarships. https://www.famemaine.com

Florida Department of Education. (n.d.). Florida student scholarship and grant programs. https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org

Georgia Student Finance Commission. (n.d.). HOPE and state aid programs. https://www.gafutures.org

Idaho State Board of Education. (n.d.). Scholarship Idaho. https://scholarships.idaho.gov

Illinois Student Assistance Commission. (n.d.). Monetary Award Program and financial aid programs. https://www.isac.org

Indiana Commission for Higher Education. (n.d.). State financial aid programs. https://www.in.gov/che

Iowa College Aid. (n.d.). Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship. https://iowacollegeaid.gov

Kansas Board of Regents. (n.d.). Kansas Promise Scholarship. https://www.kansasregents.org

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. (n.d.). Kentucky student aid programs. https://www.kheaa.com

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. (n.d.). TOPS and state financial aid programs. https://mylosfa.la.gov

Maryland Higher Education Commission. (n.d.). State financial aid programs. https://mhec.maryland.gov

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. (n.d.). Massachusetts financial aid programs. https://www.mass.edu

Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. (n.d.). Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Reconnect. https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid

Minnesota Office of Higher Education. (n.d.). North Star Promise Scholarship program. https://www.ohe.state.mn.us

Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. (n.d.). State aid programs. https://www.msfinancialaid.org

Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. (n.d.). State financial aid programs. https://dhewd.mo.gov

Montana University System. (n.d.). Scholarships and grants. https://mus.edu

National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). College Navigator. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. (n.d.). Nebraska Opportunity Grant. https://ccpe.nebraska.gov

Nevada System of Higher Education. (n.d.). Nevada Promise Scholarship. https://nshe.nevada.edu

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. (n.d.). Student aid and scholarships. https://www.nhcf.org

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. (n.d.). New Jersey grants and scholarships. https://www.hesaa.org

New Mexico Higher Education Department. (n.d.). Scholarships and financial aid. https://hed.nm.gov

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. (n.d.). New York State grants and scholarships. https://www.hesc.ny.gov

North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. (n.d.). North Carolina financial aid programs. https://www.ncseaa.edu

North Dakota University System. (n.d.). ND Career Builders. https://ndus.edu

Ohio Department of Higher Education. (n.d.). Ohio financial aid programs. https://highered.ohio.gov

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. (n.d.). Oklahoma’s Promise and state aid programs. https://www.okhighered.org

Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion. (n.d.). Oregon grants and scholarships. https://oregonstudentaid.gov

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. (n.d.). PA State Grant Program. https://www.pheaa.org

Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner. (n.d.). Rhode Island Promise. https://riopc.edu

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. (n.d.). Scholarships and grants. https://www.che.sc.gov

South Dakota Board of Regents. (n.d.). Dakota Corps Scholarship. https://www.sdbor.edu

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. (n.d.). Virginia financial aid programs. https://www.schev.edu

Tennessee Higher Education Commission. (n.d.). Tennessee financial aid programs. https://www.tn.gov/thec

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (n.d.). Texas financial aid programs. https://www.highered.texas.gov

U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). College Scorecard. https://collegescorecard.ed.gov

U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Apprenticeship. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/training/apprenticeship

University of Hawaii. (n.d.). Hawaii Promise Scholarship. https://www.hawaii.edu

University of Nebraska. (n.d.). Nebraska Promise. https://nebraska.edu

USA.gov. (2026). FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. https://www.usa.gov/fafsa

Utah System of Higher Education. (n.d.). Utah scholarships and grants. https://ushe.edu

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. (n.d.). Grants and scholarships. https://www.vsac.org

Washington Student Achievement Council. (n.d.). Washington College Grant and state financial aid. https://wsac.wa.gov

Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. (n.d.). State financial aid programs. https://heab.state.wi.us

Wyoming Department of Education. (n.d.). Hathaway Scholarship. https://edu.wyoming.gov

Parent Playbook: A 50-State Guide to College and Career Planning