Monday, December 14, 2009

Be Smart About Financial Aid

Due to the recent economic downturn, families faced with paying $20,000 per year for college tuition are looking into financial aid opportunities. The problem, however, is that universities are also facing cutbacks throughout various departments. Still, universities are willing to offer aid to students in need and want the student to attend their university. Thus, financial aid is available; just be smart about receiving it.

In order to receive the best possible amount, remember to update your status with the financial aid office. If a main breadwinner recently lost his/her job, let the university know. Also, a student that defers and works for a year also hinders his/her chance of obtaining a larger amount of aid. Since financial aid applications ask for the student and parents’ income, with the addition of the student’s income, it can possibly lower the amount of aid. In addition, look towards lesser known private universities. Private colleges are more inclined to offer more aid in order to guarantee that the student will accept their offer of admission. Furthermore, high school seniors should actively seek out scholarship opportunities. Nowadays, anything big or small can contribute to defraying the high cost of attending college.

Adrienne Kwan
Director of Social Media
University Advisors

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