Getting More College Financial Aid

[jeffrey]

For college-bound high-school seniors, early spring is nail-biting season as they wonder: Which schools will accept me? And will I get into my first choice?

The season is fraught with nervousness for parents, too, as they review the financial aid packages that accompany admission letters. Where, you wonder, can I realistically afford to send my child? Which school is really offering the best package and can I get more from the school my son or daughter wants to attend?

Keep in mind, the best financial aid package is not necessarily the largest aid package, since aid awards include not only grant and scholarship money (which you never have to repay), but also loans and work-study programs. The best package is the one in which you have to pay the least out of pocket and where you and your child have to borrow the least to finance school... [ Read More at money.cnn.com ]

[kealina]

i can definately agree with that... i chose to go to our state college because i could get a guarenteed tuition waiver for 33%, then i applied for financial aid via the FAFSA... i only qualified for one year but i did get an offer... i got a grant and a loan.... i took the grant and turned down the loan, figuring I'd rather scrimp and save and work harder than take on debt that was unnecessary....