Calculate the true costs of college, then compare offers. For many families, making the final college decision comes down to the financial-aid package offered by the institution. There is no uniform formula for aid packages; they differ in size and makeup. What you should look for An award letter     Continue Reading...

So you think just the neediest kids, the brainiacs and the jocks receive all the scholarship money? Wrong. “What most families don’t realize is that the most aid – whether it be in grants, scholarships or loans – goes to those who are savviest about applying for it,” says     Continue Reading...

First in first out – FIFO is an Accounting 101 term that describes the FAFSA process. The Federal monies are dished out on a first-come first-serve basis. So, follow-through on your New Year’s resolutions and get your forms together and complete the FAFSA. (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Last week I     Continue Reading...

I spend a lot of time writing about how to help students get into colleges, but it also makes sense to learn about how to pay for that college education. Each year around this time I focus on financial aid issues because the FAFSA becomes available on Jan. 1. The FAFSA is the Free Application for     Continue Reading...

College planning and financial aid adviser Drew Waterbury of Charlotte (www.oceanadvisors.com.) is busy this time of year. Right now, many families of high school seniors are receiving financial aid offer letters from colleges and must evaluate the pluses and minuses of scholarships, loans, grants and     Continue Reading...