How Am I Going to Pay for College?

For many students, meeting the cost of higher education seems daunting or even impossible. But, there is good news. A variety of financial aid options are available to savvy teens and their families, making the dream of a college education affordable. This clear, up-to-the-minute program breaks down the sources of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and federal and private student loans. Financial aid experts and real college students provide tips and strategies for maximizing award packages and budgeting for college life. Students learn the ins-and-outs of applying for financial aid through the FAFSA and the CSS Profile and how to compare financial aid packages.

Includes: 

Research-Based video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post test in digital format

Reviews

College may be expensive, but many financial-aid options are available. In this straightforward program, college students, a financial-aid officer, and a school counselor offer sound advice. The process begins with the Financial Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a required form that students must submit on time to prospective schools. Other monetary sources, including grants, scholarships, and loans, are available, and students are urged to contact the college financial-aid office and monitor websites to seek out scholarships and other monetary aid. A financial-aid expert describes the breakdown of financial packages, explains how to compare the bottom line of each offer, and discusses various types of student loans. One college student describes her path from community college to four-year school, and a Harvard University student shares tips on finding scholarship money and on-campus employment. This well- organized, reassuring program gives high-school students a good start on securing scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study jobs. 

–Candace Smith

Booklist

This well-organized program makes students aware of the myriad sources of financial aid that can help make a college education affordable.  It features testimony from actual college students who receive financial aid as well as guidance counselors.  Following the host’s introduction, viewers learn about FAFSA and CSS profiles, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.  College applicants are encouraged to compare financial aid packages before making college decisions, and to look into two-year schools and private colleges as well as state colleges and universities.  Concern about the cost of college is enough to trigger procrastination.  This program unlocks the fear by explaining different scholarships, grants, loans and other programs that can make paying for college a reality for most motivated students.  The teacher’s resource guide contains summaries of the program’s chapters, The American School Counselor Association Standards correlations, and many pre- and post-viewing activities for students. Although not a substitute for professional college counseling, this would be an excellent supplement to group and individual counseling.

–Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

School Library Journal