Meeting College Costs. A Guide for Parents and Students

Financial aid is available to help students meet postsecondary education costs. It comes in a variety of forms. It may take the form of a grant, a loan, or a job. Colleges very commonly employ a combination of these forms, called "packages," tailored to fit each student's resources and requirements. This booklet can help you learn whether you are eligible for financial aid. You will find out how to estimate education expenses and how to figure the amount you and your parents might be expected to contribute toward these costs and how much you will require from other sources. Sections cover: (1) making a student budget; (2) estimating what parents may be asked to pay; (3) Will you need financial aid?; (4) Where does aid come from?; and (5) applying for aid. Tables provide hypothetical examples. (Author/KE)