"How much will college cost?", "What can I expect in terms of money for college for my student?", "Does my child qualify for money for college?" "How much money will my child (or myself) have to borrow for college?", " The college's net price calculator says we will pay xxx. Can I trust that number?" As college advisors, we hear these and many more questions from students and parents about paying for college. What is the difference between financial aid and merit scholarships? Who gets money and who is left short? Where do student and parent loans fall into the mix? What should the expectations be for getting money for college? To find the answer, Cyndy has invited author and college expert Peter VanBuskirk for a conversation which goes under the covers, teaching us how colleges really award financial aid and merit aid. How do colleges leverage their funds to maximize outcomes? What is the Financial Aid Matrix? What is differential need analysis? These concepts and more will be part of the discussion on this vital topic.

Presenters

• Peter VanBuskirk | peter@bestcollegefit.com | www.BestCollegeFit.com
• Cyndy McDonald | cyndy@cyndymcdonald.com | www.cyndymcdonald.com
  

Show Notes

Carmen collects links discussed and used in the Friday Forum.  Here are the ones from this week's session.

Five Essential Questions Every Parent Should Ask

We created an infographic on the questions parents should ask financial aid offices before their students apply to the college.  Having the answers will help families plan appropriately.

College Financial Aid Comparison Chart

Financial aid comparison charts are a valuable tool. Peter shared an excellent one in his presentation.

Early Financial Aid Reads

Some colleges will do an early financial aid review for families and students.  Cyndy discussed this with Ron Lieber  NY Times) and Cathy Finks (The College of Wooster) previously.  This was referenced in today's discussion.  Check out the past interview and information on Wooster.

• Interview with Ron Lieber and Cathy Finks: https://www.cyndymcdonald.com/under-the-covers-understanding-college-merit-aid-offers
  
• Early Aid Estimator at The College of Wooster: https://wooster.edu/admissions/afford/financial-aid/early-aid-estimator/
• The College of Wooster: https://wooster.edu/
  
  

Blog on Financial Aid

Read Cyndy's latest blog on her personal experience with financial aid. Her experience with financial aid in college fueled her passion for helping students and famlies to navigate college planning and financial aid.

Webinar Recording