Tag: fafsa
Paying the Bill: Financial Aid
College is expensive, but luckily there is financial aid for those who qualify. The price tag varies widely depending on the school. State schools and community colleges tend to be less expensive, especially for students in that region. Most schools publish tuition and fees on their website. Here is a rough yearly average of [...]
Making College More Affordable
The cost of college can cause a serious case of sticker shock. Luckily, there are ways to make earning a four-year degree more affordable. Some strategies take long-term advance preparation while others come into play once the application process begins. Every parent, even ones with very young children, should keep this in mind: it’s never [...]
The Cost-Conscious College Search: What Does Affordable Mean?
Last month we wrote a piece about using the concept of return on investment in the college selection process. We think that is a great way to start thinking about making the investment in your child’s education. We also recognize that another step in the process requires that as parents, you clearly “name your price” [...]
Continuing the Process of Paying for College: Comparing Aid Awards
Here it is – late March, and you and your student are in the final stretch to make the college selection decision. And as the way in which colleges explain costs and offer aid varies widely, you’ll need to “routinize” the information. This is the stage we call “metrics meet emotions” as you’ll need to [...]
Continuing the Process of Paying for College: Filing the FAFSA
January 1, 2012 has come and gone – and the new FAFSA for students who will enter college in fall 2012 is now online and ready for students and parents to complete and submit. As you no doubt know, the FAFSA is the starting point for applying for all college student aid. We have spent [...]
Beginning the Cost Conscious College Search: The First Steps
The long Thanksgiving weekend is a memory – and now there is no doubt a big box of college brochures at your house, just waiting for attention. And for parents – sitting in the corner of the room is one of the biggest college consideration issues of all – how much is this going to [...]