With the total costs of many private colleges now exceeding $35-40,000 per year, financial aid is a topic on the minds of an increasing number of young people and their parents. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind regarding financial aid is this: You will not know whether or not you qualify for assistance, and you will not receive any aid, if you do not apply. It is not uncommon for more than half of the students at some very well known schools to be receiving some type of financial assistance. For reliable and free information on financial aid programs, check out the FinAid website.

There are basically two different types of financial assistance offered by colleges and universities: need-based and merit-based.

© 2000-2003    Frank W. Brightwell