1. Bait- Picture it, the excitement of college, move in day, new friends and experiences.
Pitfall- Every year students miss out on this dream, families take on more debt because money (an average of $1800 per person) is left on the table and students and parents alike are unsure how to read an award letter.
Rescue- My name is Laura Poole. I have been in your shoes as a school counselor. Now, I work in a FA office and want to inform you how Financial Aid can make college affordable and a reality.

2. What is Financial Aid? Types Where does $ come from Purpose
Who can get it
Types:
Need (finances ****BASED ON ABILITY NOT WILLINGNESS/ A SNAPSHOT****)
Merit (academics, talent, athletic, others) (about 55 merit in each class at Duke)
Grants, scholarships, loans, work study
Where:
Federal, state, private institutions
Purpose:
To reduce the family cost
Analogy about peanut butter
Who:
US citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens
HS Graduate or GED holder
Valid SS #
Eligible degree or certificate program
STOP: ASK QUESTION-
How many of you have ever filled out a financial aid application?

3. How to Apply File Taxes FAFSA www.fafsa.gov
CSS Profile
Priority Deadlines
Both applications open October 1st
FAFSA- Determines eligibility for federal and state funds, loans, and work study
FREE
CSS PROFILE-required by many private and some public institutions
Determines eligibility for institutional funds
More detailed
Fee-based (there are waivers)

4. Sally Visual

5. Reviewing the Offer How much is a “gift”
What is the total amount billed?
What other expenses will you have?
EFC is not how much you will pay but what government/school says that you can afford

6. College A Sample Aid Letter
Cost: Tuition: $6,500 Fees: $1,200 Room: $5,200 Board: $4,000 Books & Supplies: $1,800 Travel & Misc.: $1,300 ______________________
Financial Aid:
College A Scholarship: $9,500
Pell Grant: $1,250
State Grant: $1,250
__________________________
Total Cost of Attendance: $20,000
Total Aid: $12,000

7. College A Sample Aid Letter
Cost:
Tuition: $6,500
Fees: $1,200
Room: $5,200
Board: $4,000
Books & Supplies: $1,800
Travel & Misc.: $1,300
______________________
Total Cost of Attendance: $20,000
Financial Aid:
College A Scholarship: $9,500
Pell Grant: $1,250
State Grant: $1,250
_______________________
Total Aid: $12,000
Billed expenses = $16,900
Gift aid = $12,000
Amount owed College A: $4,900

8. College B Sample Aid Letter
Cost: Tuition: $12,200 Fees: $2,800 Room: $8,500 Board: $4,000 Books & Supplies: $3,500 Travel & Misc.: $2,200 ______________________ Total Cost of Attendance: $33,200
Financial Aid:
College B Scholarship: $15,000
Pell Grant: $1,250
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: $3,500
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: $2,000
Federal Work Study: $3,000
*Parent PLUS Loan: $8,450
_______________________
Total Aid: $33,200

9. College B Sample Aid Letter
Cost: Tuition: $12,200 Fees: $2,800 Room: $8,500 Board: $4,000 Books & Supplies: $3,500 Travel & Misc.: $2,200 ______________________ Total Cost of Attendance: $33,200
Financial Aid:
College B Scholarship: $15,000
Pell Grant: $1,250
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: $3,500
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: $2,000
Federal Work Study: $3,000
*Parent PLUS Loan: $8,450
_______________________
Total Aid: $33,200
Billed expenses = $27,500
Gift aid = $16,250
Amount owed College B: $11,250

10. Factors that Impact Aid
Family Special Circumstances
# In College
Outside Scholarships
FAFSA vs PROFILE
Early vs Regular Decision
Net Price Calculator
Touch on DACA and Independent Students
Aid for Summer and Study Abroad
Student support programs
Payment Plans and other financing options

11. Picture of an example of the net price calculator

12. Just remember: Financial Aid Folks are really really NICE!!!
Closing:
I have shared this information with you today so that you have some knowledge about financial aid and resources to give to your students. I challenge you all to go back to your schools this afternoon and complete the applications and choose to do a few net price calculators!