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.
Don’t waste a lot of time and money on college visits and applications until you have determined that your target colleges are likely to be affordable for your family.
Consider all sources of 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 and what are their repayment options?
- How much can students earn while in school and how do work-study programs operate?
Next Steps
- Watch the video.
- Read all the fact sheets provided in the Parent Resources and Student Resources sections.
- Download and complete the Family Resources Worksheet.
