You’ve applied to college, or at least you’re in the process, and now it’s time to start thinking about Financial Aid.  Have you had the discussion with your parents or student about the cost of college, what a reasonable budget is for the family per year (as well as overall for 2 or 4 years) and how the financing gap will be funded?  If not, there’s no time like now to start those discussions.

In our office, we work with many families that do not begin to talk about how much they can comfortably pay for college while managing their other financial responsibilities until the first tuition bill arrives.  To make sure your family has a clear understanding about paying for college, you want to have that conversation much earlier so that everyone is communicating their needs throughout the college admissions process and not just when the first bill arrives.

Educate yourself on the free money versus the money offered that does need to be paid back.  What’s the interest rate on your federal loans (Stafford Direct and Perkins if you received one)?  How do you qualify for a Pell grant and does that need to be repaid?  Does the scholarship you are awarded from a college come with conditions in order to keep it in subsequent years?  This article begins talking about the basics of financial aid.

The Center for College Planning wants to help and offers financial aid workshops at high schools and other community organizations throughout the state of New Hampshire.  Visit the calendar on our website to find a complete listing of the high schools we are visiting.  Can’t attend your high school’s Financial Aid Night?  No problem!  Find another high school local to you and attend theirs.  Same information; different location!

Become Financial Aid savvy today!
Val