Affording College
Clearly stated: a college education is expensive
As college costs continue to escalate, families understandably are growing more and more concerned about just how they will pay for it all. A $60,000 + price tag is not uncommon these days for the total cost of one year of college at a private school. While costs at state schools are indeed lower, they too are on the rise. While we urge you not to go through the college search process with cost as the primary factor, we do recognize the importance of the price tag in the final decision.
Useful Financial Aid Resources
Applying for
Financial Aid:
Financial Aid:
Additional Information
- Guidelines
- Notes on Financial Aid at the College Level
- Need-Based Financial Aid
- Merit Aid/Scholarships
- Questions to Research or Ask College Financial Officers
Guidelines
Notes on Financial Aid at the College Level
Need-Based Financial Aid
Merit Aid/Scholarships
Questions to Research or Ask College Financial Officers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is financial aid?
- Q: How can we tell if we are going to be eligible for need-based financial aid?
- Q: If I make X dollars a year, should I even bother applying for aid?
- Q: When are forms due?
- Q: What is the difference between need-based and merit-based aid?
- Q: How can I find out about merit scholarships?
- Q: What is the difference between “federal methodology” and “institutional methodology?” in determining financial need?
- Q: If my parents are divorced or separated, what income sources will be considered?
- Q: What if I’m applying to more colleges than there are spaces on the FAFSA?
- Q: If my child receives need-based aid, won't a merit award just get subtracted from the need-based aid offer?
- Q: What if our family doesn't qualify for need-based aid but isn't prepared to pay the full cost of a private college?
- Q: What happens if our families’ financial situation changes after we have submitted the forms?
- Q: Does it hurt my chances of admission to apply for aid on my application to college?
- Q: Should I apply Early Decision if I need financial aid?
- Q: Do we have to accept all parts of a financial aid award given to us?
- Q: Are there fee waivers available for the FAFSA or CSS Profile forms?
- Q: Should I be concerned about the amount of loan in my package?
- Q: What if one college gives you a significantly better package than a school you prefer?