Questions to Ask Financial Aid Office and Scholarship

1. Is there additional aid available?
Just like any other business, colleges will overbook their seats knowing that students that are accepted don't all come.  If they have received financial aid, then their money goes back into the pot.  Ask...and it may become yours?
2. What happens if my financial circumstances changes during the time my child is in school? You need ot know if this occurs are there forms for you to fill out or a certain person to contact.
3. Do my taxes need to be contacted to be submitted  before I complete the FAFSA? No, you may guestimate your taxes to get the FAFSA in.  You may complete your FAFSA as of Jan. 1.
4. How may years is my child's program of study and what will it take to graduate in 4 years? Remember if the program takes longer..it shouldn't. The goal should be 48 months unless there is and unforeseen circumstance.  The longer it takes to finish the degree the more money you must pay..
5. What happens to my child's financial aid after the first year? You need to know will it increase if tuition increases.  Is it a percentage?
6. Will scholarship amount increase as the tuition increases? Important questions to help you plan.

I try to stress planning and follow-through.  I hope this list of questions is helpful to you.

Financial Planning

It is important to focus on what the family can afford for college, as well.  If you are wondering your EFC ( estimated financial contribution) you can have a great estimate by going to wwww.college guide.com.  Then, under free resources hit the tab "find your EFC".  This will give you the confidence of how your FAFSA will come back. That way as you are researching colleges you have a great "feel" for what you can really afford.
The college process doesn't need to be difficult,but it does affect so many areas of our lives and so many emotions.  The more prepared we are the less our emotions have to be affected.  Therefore, it doesn't have to be stressful.