Reducing College Costs:  Need-based and Merit-based Aid

A Frank Conversation Regarding Finances

Families are understandably concerned about the cost of college. The increasing cost of attendance has many families wondering what their options are. The financial aid formulas that determine financial aid assume that the family and student bear the primary responsibility to pay for college. However, need-based financial aid and merit-based financial aid is available to many families to decrease the “sticker price.” 

How I Work with Families to Cope with Rising College Costs

• I explain the SAI (student aid index) used to determine the minimum amount your family may be expected to pay for one year of college.
• I help you identify colleges that are financially stable and are likely to be affordable for your family.
  
• I teach families how to research the need and merit-based options at colleges already being considered to determine “financial fit” before the student ever applies.
• I help families determine whether filing financial aid forms is necessary or desirable.
• I provide step-by-step resources to families who apply for financial aid.

If you are concerned about college costs or even if you’ve got the price of college covered but think some merit money would be nice, then schedule your Focus Meeting today. After the Focus Meeting, financial advising for college is available as a part of The Essentials College Package or on an hourly basis.