How to Compare Aid Awards
After You and Your Child Have Used Our Compare Tool
Comparing your child's financial aid offers can be complicated, especially if the awards vary in the amount and type of aid given. Use the Compare Your Aid Awards tool to get a side-by-side comparison of the quantity and quality of your child's aid awards.
First, Print Out Your Results
After you've used the Compare Your Aid Awards tool, print the results for your reference.
Quantity
Look at the "Family Share of Costs" figure. This is the bottom line—the amount of money your family will be expected to contribute. You are going to need to make a judgment about whether this amount is affordable. If you don't think you can afford the family share for a college your child is interested in attending, contact the aid office for help.
Quality
Look at the "% of Award that is Gift Aid" and "% of Award that is Loan" figures. This information tells you about the quality of the award. The higher the proportion of Gift Aid (grant or scholarships) to Loan, the better the award.
The most aid may not be the best aid. Keep in mind that the college that gives your child the most aid may not have the best award. The aid amount may be higher because the costs are higher or because the award is mostly loan-based.
Using Our Compare Tool More Than Once
After your child receives an initial award, you may decide to ask the college to improve your package. If you receive a revised award, enter the new data. Your child should have the final award from each college before making an enrollment decision.
A Final Note
Remember, the college with the best financial aid offer may not be the most suitable. Your child won't want to attend a college that your family can easily afford, but where he will be unhappy, unchallenged, or unable to pursue a chosen academic major. The college your child selects should provide the best opportunity to achieve educational and personal goals.
