(written by Val, College Counselor at the Center for College Planning)

Some of you bloggers may have read the article in The Boston Globe this weekend outlining the cost of college, what has been awarded to some students at particular schools (on average), and the perception regarding the cost of a college and their quality of education.  If you missed the full article, you can view it here.

This article may help explain how aid is offered at some of the higher cost institutions and the reality of what the school could actually cost if your student is accepted there. (Please understand that the examples given are not applicable to all students.)  I know many students and/or families that may not consider private colleges because of the higher price tag (initially).  Know that many factors are taken into consideration in an award letter calculation that a higher price may not be the case for all students.  A student’s junior year of high school is the perfect time to begin researching how aid is awarded so that he/she can investigate all of the options available to them.  If you have any questions, you can always call my friends at The Center for College Planning at 888.7.GRADUATE x 119.

Educate yourselves now,
Val