Find the Real Numbers
- Total cost of attendance (not just tuition)
- Grants & scholarships (free money)
- Subtract gifts to find net price
- Federal loans offered (and amounts)
- Work-study offered
Read the Fine Print
- Which aid is one-year vs renewable?
- What GPA is needed to keep aid?
- Are loans subsidized or unsubsidized?
- Any private/parent loans included?
Compare Apples to Apples
- Calculate net price for each school
- Estimate 4-year total cost
- Compare total loans you'd owe
- Factor in living costs & travel
Before You Decide
- Appeal if your situation changed
- Ask each school your questions
- Never borrow more than you need
- Confirm the enrollment deadline
College financial aid letters are notoriously hard to compare. This free one-page checklist helps you find the real cost of each option. Use it alongside our Financial Aid guides.