How to Pay for College? Dr. Alfredo Perez-Davila

First Consider Total Cost and Compare YEAR 2007/08 Per SemesterUT-AustinCC (SJCD)UHCL Tuition/Fees Books400 Room/Board Transportation Pers./Misc1150 TOTAL

Over 8 Semesters (Assuming no increases) UT-Austin * 8 = $84,000 2 Years at CC + 2 years at UHCL 4000 * * 4 = $38,000 $38,000 is still A LOT OF MONEY!!!

Answer : Financial Aid How do I get it? STEP 1 – FAFSA – FREE Application for Federal Student Aid – – Paper Copy in Financial Aid Office – Result: Student Aid Report  Expected Family Contribution Based on SAR, School produces Financial Aid Award

Financial Aid Award/Package One or more of: – Grants (Pell Grants, FSEOG, State Grants) Based on financial need Gift Money does not need to be repaid – Scholarships (NSF Scholars, TSCS, others) Gift Money does not need to be repaid Based on field of study and personal record – Federal Work Study Program Based on financial need/sponsored by government. Encouraged to work in study area (get experience) – Loans (Money that needs to be repaid)

Types of Loans Federal Perkins Loans Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans – Based on School Year – No CREDIT QUALIFICATION REQUIRED Federal PLUS Loans for Parents – Easy CREDIT QUALIFICATIONS – If Denied => Additional Stafford Loan Available Private/Alternative Loans for Students – Typically CREDIT BASED

Limits for Stafford Loans Year 1:$2625 Year 2:$3500 Year 3-5:$5500 If Parent’s PLUS Loan Request is Denied Year 1 and 2: Up to an additional $4000 Year 3 and 4: Up to an additional $5000

Scholarships for CS/CIS/CSEN/MATH TSCS (only for Computer Science) – Can pay for ALL books, tuition and fees while attending CC or UHCL – Easy application – UHCL NSF Scholar Program – Scholarship worth $2600 to $5000 while attending UHCL – Easy application –