college prep storyboard by Angela Goulet https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp en-us 2022-12-01 02:38:13 UTC 2022-12-07 03:12:32 UTC hello@padlet.com Introduction to Lesson agoule7 https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2404513989 As you near your high school graduation, you must make some decisions that will shape your adult life. For many, college is a great place to further your education and gain the skills that you will need for your career. However, between tuition costs, housing, books, school supplies, and food, college can be an expensive endeavor. In this lesson, you will explore college-related costs and how to get help with paying them.]]> 2022-12-01 02:44:06 UTC https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2404513989 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) agoule7 https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2409956694 Everyone is different, so everyone's needs for a college or university will be different. So, in order to choose the right path for you, you must first understand certain criteria that will be important factors in your decision to pursue higher education.

It will be essential to have a conversation with your family about any savings or plans that they may have in place as you make your choice. Some families may have set aside some money to help you invest in your degree, while others were not able to. No matter the case, understanding how much your family might contribute will affect your college options.

In fact, institutions will consider your personal Expected Family Contribution (EFC) when considering your for eligibility to receive financial aid. Your EFC is calculated by college financial aid staff to determine what you might need in order to attend the school. You can estimate this through this calculator to get a possible idea of what you MIGHT be eligible to receive as financial aid.

However, remember that your EFC is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college. 

Next, we will explore how to understand the costs of attending college.]]> 2022-12-06 01:13:47 UTC https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2409956694 Understand the Net Price of College agoule7 https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2409974498 Once you understand your financial situation, then you can explore your college options. As you consider your options, there are many costs associated with attending college that you will need to consider, including hidden unexpected costs like purchasing textbooks. For many, attending a community college or local university helps to save families money on housing and food costs.

A helpful tool that may help you factor in all of these costs is by using a college's net price calculator. Many colleges and universities offer these to help you understand what it may cost to attend their school. Net price is a college's price for tuition and fees before you receive any financial aid. The net price you pay for a college is unique to you, as it considers your personal situation and financial aid policies that the college may have. 

When calculating your net price, a college will consider a variety of information including your GPA and standardized test scores among other things that may qualify you for financial aid. The answers you give will calculate how much money in grants or scholarships the college is likely to award you and subtracts that from the full cost of attendance. This is an estimate to help you understand what college might really cost you.

Here you will search for your college of interest's net price calculator. Once you find the college's calculator, make sure you answer every question to the best of your ability to ensure the most accurate result. Remember, these are only estimates. The actual price may be higher or lower than this estimate.]]> 2022-12-06 01:31:17 UTC https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2409974498 Reducing Costs agoule7 https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2409987868 Before you start your research on financial aid options, consider first a few factors that will affect the cost of attending college. Taking steps to reduce costs can help reduce your potential for debt.

- College Type: Public schools and community colleges are typically cheaper than attending private universities while still offering quality educational opportunities. It is helpful to note that your choice in college doesn't have to be permanent. Some people decide to pursue a community college to start to reduce costs, then transfer college class credits to another institution at a later time to complete the degree elsewhere.
- Location: Attending a college or university that is outside of your home state often comes with an extra cost. This will also influence housing, food, and transportation costs as well. If you live on campus, you will need to pay for room and board fees. If you live off-campus, you will need to pay for expenses such as rent, utilities, commuting, and food. And if you live far away from home, you will need to consider travel costs to return home for visits or holiday breaks.
- Time: The longer you attend a college, the more it will likely cost. It is helpful to have a solid plan in place early so as not to waste too much time switching degree programs. Ensuring that you are able to invest the appropriate amount of time into your studies will be critical to making sure you graduate in less time.

For more tips on how to reduce college costs, explore this link to help you save money. Now, let's explore some options for how to get financial aid help.]]> 2022-12-06 01:45:41 UTC https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2409987868 Find and Compare Colleges that Match Your Needs and Interests agoule7 https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2411537069 Not sure what colleges might be a good fit for you? Explore college options that might fit what you need out of a school. Use filters to search for schools that fit both your academic and personal needs, including where you want to attend school and what qualities are most important to you in a college.
When you find colleges that meet your interests, use the provided tool to compare them.]]> 2022-12-07 02:15:21 UTC https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2411537069 Financial Aid Types agoule7 https://padlet.com/agoule7/ip6j1rl46vw0rpcp/wish/2411589251 "Federal and state governments, as well as private sources, offer help. Some are based on need or specific interest, others on academic performance. About 70% of the student aid awarded each year comes from the U.S. Department of Education.

  1. Grants and Scholarships do not need to be repaid:
    • Grants are awarded on the basis of need.
    • Scholarships are awarded on academic merit, need, and/or other criteria.

  2. Loans and Work-study must be repaid or earned:
    • Student Loans are special loans available to students and their parents.
    • There are both Federal subsidized loans which require evidence of financial need and unsubsidized loans which are not needs-based. These loans are explained in detail on the U.S. Department of Education Student Aid website.
    • Work may include work-study or part-time employment.
Scholarships may be available through your parents’ employers, religious groups, private clubs, lodges, businesses, foundations, unions, community groups, private individuals, and various organizations. Scholarships can be based on such things as academic merit, test scores, competitive essay, field of study, special talent (for example, music), ethnicity, leadership ability, community service activities, or athletics.

Get started on your research at Financial Aid Resources."
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