Resources and Links
Government Links and Paying for College
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Plan Ahead, the 2027-2008 form opens soon!
Pell Grant Update for 2026 including CTE Pell Grants (starting July 1, 2026)
IRS Publication 970 Tax Benefits for Education, is an official Internal Revenue Service guide explaining how students and families can use tax credits, deductions, savings programs, and exclusions to lower their federal income tax when paying for college or higher education.
CSS Board The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid.
College Navigator (check the average net costs for families like yours)
College Aid Pro or Net Price Calculator (or for individual schools)
College Savings Plans
Plan with Purpose
An Introduction to 529 Plans “What is a 529 Plan” from Investor.gov, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help you pay for college, trade school, and K-12 tuition. Your investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals are completely untaxed when used for qualified education expenses. You can open a 529 account anytime throughout your academic career.
Preparing for Graduation
Roadmap to College (The Literacy Center’s resource page)
Quick Downloads Many “how to” worksheets and information from Roadmap to College
Funding Futures Financial Worksheet English & Spanish Versions
TCSD Links
Blackbaud Application Site Review your award applications and requirements (Blackbaud user email: typically your high school email address unless you used your personal) You will always be able to log into this account as long as your award is active.
TSCD General Guide Information on the program, dates, how and when to apply, and important details about scholarships
TCSD College Cost Form (for student’s awarded $25,000 or more)
Suggested Reading and Links
Your College Bound Kid (YCBK) Podcast and Newsletter
Researching Colleges
Reading - order from our local 2 bookstores (Book Traders and Valley Bookstore) or order online:
Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You by Jeffrey Selingo
The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together and Workbook: A Family Organizer for Your College Search by Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark
The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make by Ron Lieber
Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni
Who Gets In And Why? A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo