Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Paying for college - what I need to know?

As a high school junior, I'm kind of worried about how I'll manage to pay for college. Can anyone share some advice or suggestions on what they wish they had known about paying for college when they were in my position?

a year ago

It's normal to be concerned about paying for college, and it's great that you're starting to think about it now. Here are a few things that you should be aware of to help you with college costs:

1. FAFSA and CSS Profile: Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, if applicable. The FAFSA can help you qualify for federal student loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. The CSS Profile is used by some colleges to award institutional aid. Complete these forms as early as possible in your senior year.

2. Understanding College Costs: Colleges have different costs, including tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses. Some schools have a lower sticker price, while others have substantial financial aid offerings. Keep in mind that the sticker price is not always your out-of-pocket cost. Look at the net price (the actual cost after subtracting grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid) when comparing institutions.

3. Scholarships: There are many scholarships based on various factors such as academic merit, community involvement, and personal qualities. Begin your search early and pay attention to deadlines. Some popular scholarship search platforms include Fastweb, Cappex, and CollegeVine.

4. Institutional Aid: Many colleges offer need-based and/or merit-based aid. These awards can be substantial in reducing the overall cost of attendance. Don't overlook smaller schools, which may have significant aid opportunities as well. Research each college's financial aid policies to know what to expect.

5. Work-Study: Work-study is a federal program that offers part-time employment opportunities to students with demonstrated financial need. It can help you earn money to cover college expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

6. Student Loans: If you need to take out loans, make sure you understand your options and the terms of each loan you are considering. Federal loans usually offer better terms and low-interest rates compared to private loans. Your FAFSA results will determine your eligibility for federal loans.

7. Community College and Transfer: If finances are a concern, consider attending a community college first and then transferring to a four-year institution. This can save you a considerable amount of money and still allow you to earn a bachelor's degree.

8. Public and In-State Colleges: Public, in-state colleges often provide a more affordable option compared to private institutions and out-of-state colleges. Assess the quality of education and programs offered at public schools in your state.

9. College Selection: When applying to colleges, make sure you have a balanced list of schools. Apply to institutions with varying levels of financial aid support and costs. It's important to have options when comparing financial aid packages.

In summary, start early, apply for financial aid, search for scholarships, and consider a range of college options to help minimize the overall cost of your education. Good luck!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.