Paying for College

Easily one of the most talked about aspects of college is how to fund it. From CSS to NPC to FAFSA, deciding how you will help your child pay for college can be a confusing, complicated, and frustrating situation. A four-year degree is more expensive than it ever has been, and it usually requires funding from multiple sources.

It’s important to know that there are various ways to pay for your child’s education. This list is not inclusive, but here’s a few examples:

• Savings / Liquid Assets

• 529 Plan

• Financial Aid (need-based)

  • Loans

  • Grants

• Merit Aid (merit-based)

  • Grants / Scholarships

After determining a college’s net price - that is, the total college cost (sticker price) minus financial aid (grants, scholarship, merit aid, etc) - your family can determine which colleges are affordable. A college is affordable if your resources exceed the total net price.

While loans are a valid resource to include in your arsenal, keep in mind that they can add up quickly and will follow your student for years.

Click any links to the left for further information on paying for college.