Paying For College

Great advice on paying for college from a fantastic presentation to our families by Liane Crane of The College Dollar.
 
College thoughts pre senior that may help with the cost of college:
 
PSAT, Prepare a budget, 529 savings, Major money moves before 2nd semester junior year, AP classes, Don’t believe everything you hear.
 
The ultimate goal of college is to graduate with a degree that will drastically jumpstart a career. You should NOT borrow more for a college education than the anticipated first year salary.
 
Understand Financial Aid and your Student Aid Index (EFC) to know if you qualify for need-based aid. Cost of Attendance – EFC = Need. If no need, merit aid will help with the cost. Private scholarships only account for about 3% of tuition.
 
Merit scholarships are based on:

• Grades
• Leadership roles
• ACT or SAT scores
• Extracurricular activities
• School or community involvement
• Passion projects

 
Know the value of your student to a college:

• AP courses
• Selectivity
• Region
  
• Major
• Sport/Music/Art
• Interview
• Passion project

 
Strategies to keep college costs in-check:

• Setting a college budget
• Exploring careers & majors
• Knowing the value of your student
• Understanding financial aid
• Having a plan to pay
• Applying to colleges you have NOT heard of
• Grad degree

 
How I help:

• Financially fit colleges
• FAFSA/CSS review
• 4-year college cash flow worksheet
• Interpret financial aid packages/compare
• Tuition bill review - FERPA, waiver, optional costs
• Appeals - financial, merit, other
• Hourly consults

 
 Liane Crane | 585-376-2585 | [email protected]

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