Last updated on November 25, 2023 by College Financial Aid Advice.
State ID card - Do you even need a drivers license? More teenagers are getting their license later, as the cost of drivers training, student car insurance, and a student car add up. One choice is to delay getting a drivers license. Instead, get a state ID card. You will need some official government issued ID card to fly on an airline, or for banking. If you live in California, the DMV CA offers state ID cards to anyone regardless of their age for $26. The state ID card is good for six years, and they look like a drivers license. For more information see dmv.ca.gov
Once you complete driver ed and get your permit, you are covered by your parents car insurance. You don't need to worry about paying for car insurance until you receive your drivers license.
Non-owner car insurance - If you don't take a car to college, you can get non-owner car insurance. This is a nice cheap student car insurance because you are only paying for an insurance policy for liability (when you are at fault in an auto accident). This means if you borrow someones car occasionally, you are covered for liability. Not all insurance companies offer this insurance, and you probably won't find it on the internet. You'll need to call an insurance agent and request it. We use State Farm insurance, and tried Geiko but they don't offer non-owner liability insurance. This works great if you use Zip Car and Uber rides, but want to occasionally drive and be covered.
Internet car insurance - Another way is to use the internet to search for the cheapest rates for student car insurance. In many cases, students under age 24 will find cheaper insurance on their parent's auto insurance policy. You may find it cheaper on your own on the internet if you have a smaller liability limit than your parents policy. Your auto insurance will be cheaper if you have good grades, drive an inexpensive car, have a high deductible or low insurance limit, and drive fewer miles per year.
Scholarships for 2024 - It is never too early or too late to work on your scholarship searches. If you are part of the high school class of 2024, you should work on your scholarship and college search now. See our list of Scholarships for High School Seniors
FAFSA - The official 2024 - 2025 FAFSA will be available in December. FAFSA.
Scholarship Lists An overview of the different types of Scholarship Money for College.
Grants Learn more about grants, the other free money for college.
Need Tuition Help? Reduce the cost of tuition with these college Tuition Assistance Programs.
Tax Credit Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
College Savings Plans Save money for college with these College Savings Plans.
Need a Student Loan? Yes, you qualify for these college Student Loans.
Scholarships for High School Students