With regards to the college process, two questions predominate. The first is, “Where should I go to college?” and the second is “How much will it cost?” These questions generally reflect the order of importance to the student, but, at times, the more important factor in selecting a college is cost. One of the first suggestions regarding selecting a college is to consider college possibilities without reference to cost. The actual cost of attending a particular college will vary greatly by the time the student receives his/her financial aid package from the college, so considering the financial package of each school is an important final factor in making a decision to attend a school.

 

No matter what the post-secondary educational plans, the family needs to have a plan to finance the education. Whether a state or private college or university, a two-year college, or a vocational school, cost will include such items as tuition, room and board, transportation, books and fees, and various personal expenses. 

 

Given the reality of needing to finance a post-secondary education, what does the process involve? Four basic factors are involved in determining the amount of financial aid: financial need, grade point average, activities, and character.

 

A family’s financial need is a significant factor in determining how much college will cost. Need is determined by the federal government, and the process is personal and complex. The process of determining need begins when a student and his/her family file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form cannot be filed until October 1st of the senior year or as soon thereafter as possible. Based upon the information given on the FAFSA, a family’s financial need is determined. Basically, need is the difference between how much a college education costs and the amount a family can pay (as determined by the results of the FAFSA.) Since many colleges are “need-based”, a student and his/her family must demonstrate need (through the FAFSA) before the college will give any grant or scholarship monies. College financial aid offices generally believe that the funding of post-secondary education is the primary responsibility of the student and family. Only when the student and family cannot afford the full expense, as determined by the “need analysis” above, is financial aid available. Need based financial aid does not include merit, athletic, and other types of non-need scholarships. Families should think of themselves as the first source of funds for college. When a college accepts a student for admission, the college will expect the student and family to do what they can to finance the education. 

 

G.P.A.: Other than a family’s financial need, the process of qualifying for financial aid begins when the student enters high school and earns a cumulative g.p.a. The grades earned during the 9th grade are just as important as those earned during 10th, 11th , and 12th grades.

 

Activities: includes such areas as fine and performing arts, athletics, student government, club involvement, community service, and employment. These activities expose students to possible scholarship opportunities. 

 

Character: refers to a student’s attitude and whether or not he/she has been responsible in the classroom and activities. The quality of a student’s character is reflected in the quality of a recommendation a student receives from his/her teacher, counselor, or supervisor. Since most scholarships require recommendations, attitude and effort will produce both short and long term consequences.