Financial aid award letters will come with an acceptance letter or shortly after. You have until May 1st to make a decision, so don't feel like you have to respond right away. Your spot won't be taken if you take the time to weigh all of your options.

Unfortunately, there is not a mandated unified format that colleges must use with award letters. This can cause some confusion when comparing packages! If you're not sure what the school is offering, definitely contact the financial aid office for clarification.

If you filed the FAFSA:
Cost of Attendance minus Scholarships, Grants, Federal Loans & Work Study = what you will pay each year. Ask colleges if this award is good for all 4 years or is it just for the freshman year!

Work study is NOT guaranteed. This money is also not applied directly to your tuition and fees. Students must get a job and then earn money based on hours worked. If you don't work, you won't receive this money even though it's available to you as stated in your award letter.

Some universities will include Parent PLUS loans in their financial aid letter. Parents can borrow an amount up to the Cost of Attendance annually. If you borrow PPLs, remember this loan is in your name (not your child's) & is your responsibility to pay back.

If you feel like the award letter was not what you were hoping for, you can appeal the award. If your appeal is based on need based aid, you will appeal to the financial aid office. If your appeal is based on merit aid, you will appeal to the admissions office.