How to Read College Financial Aid Letters
So, your student got into college—congrats! But now you’re staring at a financial aid letter that looks more like a puzzle missing a few pieces. Grants, loans, work-study… and where exactly is the part that tells you how much you are actually paying? You’re not alone. Colleges aren’t exactly known for making financial aid letters easy to read. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you decode them like a pro. Start With the Total Cost of Attendance (COA) First things first: Find the college’s Cost of Attendance (COA). This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and sometimes a generous [...]