What is financial aid preferential packaging?

Preferential packaging is the practice of changing the type and amount of financial aid awarded to a student based on the desirability of the student relative to the applicant pool. This policy is common among private colleges but not by public institutions. Since most colleges have a finite amount of aid available, they have to … Read more

FAQ: What is the Academic Common Market?

College Student asking what is the academic common market

The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a program that allows students to pursue degrees not available in their state at out-of-state institutions but pay in-state tuition. There are 15 members of the Academic Common Market: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Florida and … Read more

I can’t afford private school tuition, why should I even bother applying?

Note with text I can't afford private school tuition, why should I even bother applying?

Most people can’t afford the published private school tuition. But most people don’t pay the listed price for private school tuition either. And while private colleges cost more than public schools, they usually provide more financial assistance than public schools. Consider the following information from College Data on two institutions: Item Texas State University Austin … Read more

What is demonstrated interest?

Demonstrated interest refers to the interactions initiated by college applicants with colleges they apply to. These interactions include: Requesting information Contacting the admissions office Campus tours Overnight visits Campus interviews Alumni interviews Virtual interviews College fairs Information sessions Social media interaction Early admission Some colleges use demonstrated interest as a way to gage a student’s … Read more

FAQ: How do I become an Independent student for financial aid?

student standing in front of a college asking How do I become an Independent student for financial aid?

Just because a student is paying for all of his own expenses doesn’t make him an independent student for financial aid purposes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has very specific requirements to qualify as an independent student. Students must answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions to be considered … Read more

FAQ: What is merit aid?

Student in front of college asking What is merit aid?

Merit aid refers to college awarded financial aid that is not based on financial need. The most commonly recognized form of merit aid is the scholarship. Scholarships may be awarded for academic skills or achievements based on talents such as athletic, artistic, or leadership. Other types of merit aid include tuition waivers or institutional grants … Read more

FAQ: What are Net Price Calculators?

Student standing in front of college asking What are Net Price Calculators?

Net price calculators (NPC) are a way for students and their families to estimate how much it would cost to attend a specific college. All colleges that accept federal funds are required to provide Net Price Calculators on their websites. The NPC is supposed to provide estimated net price information to current and prospective students … Read more