How to Compare Financial Aid Awards
After You Have Used Our Compare Tool
Comparing your financial aid offers can be complicated, especially if your awards vary in the type and amount of aid given. Use the Compare Your Aid Awards tool to get a side-by-side comparison of the quantity and quality of your aid awards.
First, Print Out Your Results
After you've used our 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 you are 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 your award. The higher the proportion of Gift Aid (grants or scholarships) to Loan, the better the award.
The college that gives you the most aid may not have the best award. The most aid may not be the best aid. Keep in mind that the college that gives you the most aid may not have the best award. Your aid amount may be higher because the costs are higher or because the award is mostly loan-based.
Use Our Compare Tool More Than Once
After you receive your initial award, you may decide to ask the college to improve your package. If you receive a revised award, enter the new data. You should have the final award from each college before you make your enrollment decision.
A Final Note
Remember, the college with the best financial aid offer may not be the most suitable. You don't want to attend a college that you can easily afford, but where you'll be unhappy, unchallenged, or unable to pursue a chosen academic major. Choosing a college involves selecting the best college for you based on your educational and personal goals.
