1. The Basics

What Is a Financial Aid Offer?

When you apply for financial aid to help cover the educational expenses at the colleges you're considering, the financial aid offices will let you know what you're eligible to receive.

The colleges will send you a financial aid offer that shows your estimated eligibility for federal and state aid programs. Remember to read your offers carefully and weigh all of your options.

*Note: Food and housing estimates are based on a student living in a traditional dormitory with a roommate and participating in a 20-meal-per-week plan. Many institutions offer a wide variety of food and housing plans, and costs may differ from those in the sample financial aid offer.

What is Cost of Attendance?

Cost of Attendance is the estimated total cost of attending a college for one year. This amount includes tuition, fees, food and housing, books, supplies and travel expenses. The amount of your federal aid can't be greater than your total cost of attendance.