MY COALITION COUNSELOR ADVICE
Financial Aid and Affordability
Discover affordable college options, and learn how to pay for your college investment.
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Paying for college can feel confusing—especially when financial aid terms start showing up without much explanation. Work-study is one of those terms that students and families often have questions about.
If you’re not sure what work-study is, how it works, or whether it’s something you should consider, we’ll break it down for you.
Paying for college can be challenging, and outside scholarships — funded by private organizations — can help. Here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know about outside scholarships.
Scholarships are a great tool to help you afford college. However, not all scholarships are the same. In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of scholarships and some terms related to scholarships that may help you understand the scholarships that you are awarded or are available for you to apply for.
The process of applying for financial aid as a transfer student is different than when you first applied as a first-year student. Aid options will vary depending on the policies and resources of each receiving institution.
Let’s cut to the chase and try to keep this as brief as possible while giving you helpful information. College is expensive! We know paying for college is on most families’ minds.
As a college student looking to transfer, you probably have some questions about financial aid. Well, we’ve got some answers!
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about financial aid for transfer students:
From grants and scholarships to FAFSA and federal student aid, there’s a lot for you to know about financial aid. That’s why we’ve compiled an alphabetical list of the most frequently used financial aid terms— check it out below!
Did you know? More than 75 percent of students get help paying for college.
In fact, over 13 million students receive more than $120 billion in federal student aid each year — and that’s just from the federal government! Students like you may also be eligible for financial aid from states, colleges, and/or private organizations.
We at the Coalition believe in the value of a college education: Research shows that students with a four-year bachelor’s degree earn an average of $1.3 million more than those with only a high school diploma. But we also realize that the cost to attend college can seem very high.
So, let’s talk about calculating the cost of your college education.
As you begin researching your college options, you might find yourself asking: How can I possibly pay for college?
We’re glad you asked (and you will be too)!
First things first: You’re not alone. Almost every student wonders how they’ll be able to afford college. But you may not realize that most students — more than 75 percent of them — get help paying for it.
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You’ve drafted your personal statement—now it’s time to tackle your supplemental essays. The "Why Us?" prompts and short-answer questions can be just as important as your main essay, and admissions officers read them closely. Join admissions counselors from Coalition member colleges as they share how to research schools authentically, avoid generic answers, and make every word count. Bring your questions and leave with a clear plan to make your application stand out.
Featuring admissions counselors from: Clark University, Lehigh University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and University of Pennsylvania
Senior year is here, and application deadlines are approaching fast! In this live panel, admissions counselors from Coalition member colleges will share practical advice on finalizing your applications, polishing your essays and supplemental responses, choosing the right application rounds, requesting recommendations, and avoiding common last-minute mistakes. You’ll leave with a clear checklist to help you submit with confidence.
Featuring admissions counselors from: Binghamton University, Brandeis University, Gettysburg College, and Wheaton College - Massachusetts
If you’re unsure how to get started with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or feel overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone. In this session, admissions and financial aid experts from Coalition member schools will break it all down—covering key terms, essential steps, and common mistakes to avoid. Bring your questions and leave ready to complete your FAFSA with confidence!
Featuring admissions and financial aid counselors from: Assumption University, California Lutheran University, University of Richmond, and York College of Pennsylvania.
Some colleges on your list may require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to apply for financial aid. In this panel, admissions and financial aid officers from Coalition member colleges will explain what the CSS Profile is, how schools use it, and tips for completing it successfully. Bring your questions and leave equipped to take this important step in applying for financial aid.
Featuring admissions and financial aid counselors from: Brandeis University, Colby College, Columbia University, and University of Richmond