The Project Lives Here
For Educators
Adopt The College Project as Curriculum
The College Project is being used by educators across California to help students navigate college planning and financial aid.
What's included for educators:
Complete teacher's guide
Alignment to Common Core standards
Grading rubric
Student planner templates
Video playlists and discussion guides
Special Opportunity:
Schools that adopt The College Project may be eligible to partner with The Finance Lab, offering their students scholarship opportunities and hands-on financial literacy education. This partnership helps students not only afford college, but also learn to invest and build wealth while they're there.
Interested in adopting The College Project or partnering with The Finance Lab?
Contact: tyler@thefinancelab.co
How to use this Resource
The Student Planner — A personalized graphic organizer for every student on this journey. Complete with links to credible resources, tables, and editable space to organize your thoughts. Make it your own.
The Chapters (links below, left) — Updated digital chapters that take you on a journey to discover why, where, and how you can gain lifetime benefits from attending college. Set aside the rumors and take control of your learning.
The Videos (below, right) — Real students, college advisors, and experts share insights about opportunities and challenges related to college and financial aid.
For additional videos and playlists, visit: College Admissions from Khan Academy
Why College?
Understanding the benefits of college, including career opportunities, earning potential, and personal growth.
Debunking myths and exploring how college fits into your future plans.
Insights into the benefits of college. Visit https://www.khanacademy.org/college-admissions or use the playlist button at the top right corner for more videos.
Finding Your Fit
Identifying the educational experience you want and need. Exploring different types of institutions (2-year, 4-year, public, private) and what aligns with your goals.
Searching for the college that best suits you.
The Real Cost of College
Breaking down tuition, fees, and total cost of attendance. Learning to use College Scorecard to find what students actually pay—not just the sticker price.
What’s your mindset looking at the cost of college?
Free Money: Grants and Scholarships
How to qualify for federal and state grants, institutional aid, and private scholarships. Strategies for maximizing financial aid offers.
Being proactive: searching for additional financial aid.
Net Price Calculators
Getting personalized cost estimates from each college using their net price calculator. Understanding your expected family contribution.
What’s the average cost students pay to attend college?
Student Loans 101
How student loans work, when they make sense, and how to borrow responsibly. Understanding interest rates, repayment plans, and long-term impact.
Consider whether or not college loans are right for you.
Step-by-step guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile to receive grants, work-study, and loans.
CA Dream Act (For Undocumented Students)
How undocumented students in California can access state and institutional financial aid through the California Dream Act Application.
This is a brief tutorial (from UCSB, 2014) to help students file the California Dream Act Application.
Next Steps
Completing college and financial aid applications. Building your support network and staying organized through the process.
A playlist interviewing real college students and advisors about real challenges and how to overcome them.
How to succeed in college, choosing majors and careers, evaluating online vs. classroom learning, avoiding for-profit colleges, and additional resources for undocumented students.