Unit 2
:
All About Financial Aid
This unit introduces students to the college financial aid process and helps them understand how to make college more affordable. Students explore the Cost of Attendance (COA), including the expenses that contribute to college costs and factors that may change those costs. They research COA information for colleges on their list, evaluate the overall value of a college education, and consider how campus support programs can enhance their college experience. The unit also examines federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and repayment responsibilities, while helping students understand how aid is determined and dispelling common FAFSA myths.
Students learn how to apply for both federal and institutional financial aid by identifying required documents, understanding application evaluation processes, and practicing completion of the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Additionally, they explore scholarships and institutional grants, discover why these opportunities are worth pursuing, and determine their eligibility and application requirements. By the end of the unit, students will be prepared to navigate the financial aid process and pursue multiple sources of funding for college!
Lesson 1: Your Role in the Financial Aid Process
What are your expectations and goals for learning about college financial aid? What opportunities and responsibilities are available to you in the financial aid process?
Lesson 2: Your Cost of Attendance
What is the Cost of Attendance (COA) for the individual colleges on your list? How much would a college education cost within the context of financial aid? How do I break down the components of COA and identify factors that could change it? What is the value of campus programs that provide support, in addition to the financial aid that I may receive?
Lesson 3: Federal Aid, Loans vs Grants, Repayment and Debt
What are the different types of federal aid? How are grants and loans different? What options are there for loan repayment, and what will my responsibilities be after graduation? How do I locate documents and information that I need for my federal aid application?
Lesson 4: Filling Out the FAFSA
How does federal financial aid methodology work? What are common myths about the FAFSA? What is the process for completing my FAFSA and applying for federal aid?
Lesson 5: Types of Institutional Aid
What are the different types of institutional aid? Why is institutional aid worth the effort of applying? Where can I find the documents and information I need for my institutional aid application?
Lesson 6: Applying for Institutional Aid with the CSS Profile
How will my institutional aid application be evaluated? How do I complete my CSS Profile and apply for federal aid?
Lesson 6.5: Scholarships & How to Incorporate Them
This is a special lesson for students in grades 9-11 who are looking ahead to college applications.
What different types of scholarships are there? How do I determine my eligibility and what I need to do to apply?
