Find out what the fixed vs. flexible costs will be - The first thing we like to talk about with our students when they look at their financial aid award letter is the fixed and flexible costs of college.
Calculate how much 'free money you're getting - Once you figure out how much a college is going to cost, it's time to look at how much money they are giving you in grants or scholarships—college counselors like to call this "free money" because you don't have to repay it.
Find out how much debt you will have - The balance from subtracting the free money you're getting from the total cost of attendance for the college will determine if you have to take loans.
Appeal your financial aid package - Sometimes you get into your dream school, and the financial aid package is just not working out. You can appeal for more aid, but this process may take some time, and it doesn't mean you will get more money.
Choose a school that is financially sustainable - When you and your family are looking at colleges, keep finances as one of the top priorities, and see where you can cut costs.
Read the Fine Print - Instead of skimming over your award letters, take time to understand exactly how much you will be expected to pay and through what means.
Note Any Stipulations - Once you feel confident in your understanding of different forms of aid, re-read your aid packages to note any stipulations or qualifications surrounding what you will be entitled to receive.
Factor in Other Costs - Tuition and housing aren’t the only expenses students need to have on their radar. Evaluate the cost of attendance overall, including living expenses, books, transportation, and activity fees.
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