HS College Planning Tip: week of Nov 09

Understanding College Costs

Don’t let cost disqualify one school from another. Your "preferred" school may offer programs that can help you pay the cost.

But cost is an important criteria. You don’t want to become so saddle with debt when you finish school. A less expensive school may offer the same program and benefits as the more expensive school. So do your research.

Time to Consider Costs

Private schools are generally more expensive than public schools. However, they also offer more aid programs that can bring the total cost down to par with other schools — especially if you have the profile they are looking for.

Your cost of attendance will include tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation and personal expenses.

College cost profiling for your intended institution:
compare college costs side-by-side: simply input your colleges of choice and collegeboard will profile the costs of each school www.collegeboard.org

compare colleges by region and cost:
http://nces.ed.gov

Facts about paying for college:
learn the steps needed to qualify for college aid. Includes financial aid options from government and private sources:
link to our financial aid center

What makes up the "Cost of Attendance":

• tuition
• class fees
• books and supplies
• room and board

Other expenses to attend school:

• transportation
• clothing / personal
• entertainment
• computer
• entertainment

More information available:

• view our complete college planning calendar for November