Plain language
We skip the jargon and explain what each kind of funding means.
College funding, explained
A clearer map of college money.
Bursavo is a free information site for students and families who want to understand grants, scholarships, FAFSA®, and the real cost of college. We explain the pieces in plain language and share general ideas for planning ahead. We don't sell anything, we don't promise money, and every choice is yours.
Bursavo is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or FAFSA®. Grants, scholarships, and aid are never guaranteed.
- Free for everyone
- Not a government agency
- Text STOP to opt out
- No data passed to schools or lenders
How it works
Three easy steps
Start with a question and finish with a clearer idea of what to look into next.
Share what you're curious about
Fill in the short form with your name, contact details, ZIP code, and the kind of information you want. Most people finish in about two minutes.
Pick your channels
Choose email, text, or both. The text boxes are optional, separate from each other, and unchecked until you check them.
Read, then decide
We send plain-language information about grants, scholarships, and paying for college. What you do with it is up to you, and you always apply directly with the school or provider.
The vocabulary
Six college-money terms, decoded
Short summaries only. Each program's official rules and your school's financial-aid office always have the final word.
- Grants
- Money for school that usually doesn't need to be paid back. Grants come from federal and state programs, colleges, and private groups, and many are based on financial need.
- Scholarships
- Awards given for things like grades, interests, field of study, community involvement, or background. Every scholarship publishes its own rules, application, and deadline.
- FAFSA®
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges and many states use it to decide on federal, state, and school aid. It is filed with the federal government, not with Bursavo.
- Work-study
- A part-time job program that lets eligible students earn money while enrolled. You're paid as you work, so it isn't a lump sum credited to your account.
- Student loans
- Borrowed money you repay with interest. Federal and private loans work very differently, so read the terms carefully before you accept one.
- Cost of attendance
- The school's estimate of one year's total cost: tuition, fees, housing, food, books, travel, and personal costs. It is usually well above the tuition number alone.
Reading an aid offer
The biggest number isn't always the best offer
An aid letter can bundle grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans into one total. A total that is mostly loans will cost you more later than a smaller total made of gift aid, so it pays to look at each line on its own.
Look for
- Which dollars are gift aid you keep
- Which depend on you working a job
- Which are loans, and at what interest and terms
- What you must do each year to renew each award
Why people use Bursavo
Simple, honest, and low pressure
Compare like with like
Learn to separate gift aid from work and loans so any aid offer is easier to read.
Dates to watch
Deadlines vary by school, state, and program. We point out what to look for and where to confirm it.
Private by design
We don't sell your information or share mobile numbers for marketing.
Easy exit
Reply STOP to a text or click unsubscribe in an email. That's all it takes.
Free
Bursavo never charges you and never asks for payment details.
What we are (and aren't)
A guide, not a funder
Bursavo does not give out, offer, or process grants, scholarships, or loans, and we never submit applications on your behalf. Your details are not passed to schools, lenders, or other third parties, and using Bursavo is always free.
- We can't promise any grant, scholarship, or savings
- Information only, never a sales pitch
- Your text consent is for Bursavo only
Optional texts
Short notes, only if you ask
If you choose text updates, you'll hear from Bursavo with brief messages. Informational and promotional texts are separate checkboxes, so you only receive the kind you picked.
- Up to about 8Message frequency varies (up to about 8 a month)
- Msg & dataMsg & data rates may apply
- STOP / HELPReply STOP to opt out, HELP for help
FAQ
Quick answers
What is Bursavo?
Bursavo is a free information website for students and families. We explain college grants, scholarships, FAFSA, and ways to manage college costs in plain language, and you can opt in to updates by email or text. We are not a government agency, school, or lender.
Is Bursavo connected to the government or the FAFSA?
No. Bursavo is a private information service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, FAFSA®, or any state or federal agency. The official FAFSA form is free and is available at studentaid.gov.
Can you promise I will receive a grant or scholarship?
No. Whether you qualify depends on the organization offering it and on things like financial need, academics, school, field of study, and deadlines. Bursavo does not guarantee any grant, scholarship, aid, or savings.
How do grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans differ?
Grants and scholarships are generally gift aid you do not repay. Work-study lets you earn wages while enrolled. Loans are borrowed money repaid with interest. The Funding guide explains each one.
Next step
Ready to get a clearer picture of paying for college?
Share a few details and what you'd like to read about. It's free, there's no obligation, and you can opt out of texts any time by replying STOP.