Do you have a high school senior who is moving into the dorm this summer? Before you start picking out bedding or packing the car, make sure you take care of one of the most important tasks: shopping for student loans.

According to College Ave's 2025 Parent Survey, nearly all parents (94%) currently help or plan to help their children pay for college. That said, 71% of parents surveyed were surprised by the high cost of college.

If you're concerned about affording your child's education, don't worry. You can still help your student pay for their education by employing a few tips and tricks to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, housing and food.

Strategies for paying for college

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for paying your child's tuition, but there are some common strategies. According to the parent survey, the top three ways parents help or plan to help pay for college include:

• Regular income and savings (67%)
• Grants and scholarships (64%)
• 529 college savings accounts (45%)

You don't have to use just one strategy. You can mix and match, depending on your funds. But what do you do when these sources aren't enough to cover the full cost of tuition? It may be time to look into student loans to fill the gap.

Smart-shopping tips for student loans

Before you start shopping for student loans, you'll need to know how much you'll need to borrow. You can use College Ave's Student Loan Calculator to better understand the total cost of the loan and estimate your future monthly payments.

If you haven't already completed the form, it's time to help your student fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps the government and your child's school determine the types of financial aid your student is eligible to receive.

More importantly, filling out the FAFSA allows your child to take out a federal loan in their name. When a student applies for a federal student loan, they'll have access to unique benefits like an income-based repayment plan or public service forgiveness that aren't typically available through private loans.

If you don't have enough to cover tuition and college fees after exploring these options, you can cover the remaining financing gap by looking into private student loans.

Shopping for a private student loan doesn't have to be complicated. College Ave helps families navigate college financing with confidence. You can complete a simple application in just a few minutes and compare flexible loan options designed to fit your family's budget.

Put your mind at ease and enjoy the rest of the summer

Start exploring your college financing options now, so you can spend the rest of the summer enjoying time with your student before they leave the nest. To learn more about private student loans and discover other useful tips on how to navigate the road to college, visit CollegeAve.com.