Learn about the difference between need-based aid and merit-based aid is, what exactly need-based aid, as well as what financial need is. Also, learn how colleges decide need-based aid, and what that means about need-based aid.…
By Meredith Clement    |
Learn what you may see in a typical financial aid offer, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans. …
By Jonathan Hughes    |
Learn what we mean by "special or extenuating circumstances," what qualifies as a special or extenuating circumstance, what you need to submit to your college, and when to submit it. …
By Jonathan Sparling    |
Learn about budgeting for books, supplies, a laptop, course expenses, and more. …
By Christina Davidson    |
We asked financial aid administrators at three different Massachusetts colleges how they would respond if a perspective student appealed for more financial aid. Answers ranged from not matching another school's offer to potentially granting more moderate requests. …
By Jonathan Hughes    |
Get the answers to common questions about financial aid offers, such as if loans are part of financial aid, if your financial aid will stay the same every year, and how to compare costs from different schools. …
By Jonathan Hughes    |