Calculating the amount you are able to pay – or willing to pay – is the critical first step in the process of identifying schools that will be affordable for your family.
By using “financial fit” as one of your college search criteria, you can be sure your target colleges are affordable, before you waste time on visits and money on applications.
Start by finding all sources of college funding:
- How much can parents contribute from income and assets?
- How much can parents borrow responsibly?
- How much can students contribute from income and assets?
- How much can students borrow?
- What are the repayment options and amounts?
- How much can students earn while in school?
- How do work-study programs operate?
Next Steps
- Watch the family resources video.
- Read the fact sheets in the Parent Resources and Student Resources sections.
- Download and enter your family information into the Family Resources Worksheet.
