Tuition & Financial Aid
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
A student’s primary area of study or academic focus.
A Major
Which college is ranked #1 in Medical School rankings?
Harvard Medical School
True or False: Only straight-A students get into good colleges.
False! Colleges look at the whole student—grades, extracurriculars, essays, and more—not just perfect GPAs.
What type of financial aid does not have to be repaid? (Free money)
Grants or Scholarships
What is the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition?
In-state tuition is a lower rate for residents of the state, while out-of-state tuition is higher for students from outside the state.
What is it called when a college offers a combined bachelor's and master's program in 5 years?
Dual degree program OR 4+1 program
Are you required to provide your test scores (ACT and SAT) to all colleges you apply to?
No! Many colleges are test optional meaning you are not required to submit your test scores unless you want to.
Find me a college that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans.
Amherst College, Berea College, Bowdoin College, Brown University, Rhode Island, Colby College, College of the Ozarks, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Davidson College, Emory University, Grinnell College, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Northwestern University, Pomona College, Princeton University, Rice University, Smith College, Stanford University, Swarthmore College, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, Vanderbilt University, Washington and Lee University, Williams College, & Yale University.
What’s the difference between a college and a university?
A college typically offers undergraduate degrees, while a university also offers graduate programs and may have multiple colleges within it.
Find me a college that has a major specifically focused on Marine Biology.
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), University of Miami, University of Washington, Florida State University, California State University, Monterey Bay, and ASU School of Ocean Futures.
True or False: You can't get into a top college without a lot of extracurricular activities.
False! What is colleges value quality over quantity in extracurriculars, and focus on depth of involvement and passion rather than sheer number of activities?
Find me a college that is known for generous merit-based scholarships regardless of income.
145 colleges and universities offer merit scholarships to 100% of students without financial need
What is the purpose of a college essay or personal statement?
It allows students to share their story, goals, and personality with admissions officers beyond grades and test scores.
Find me a college that lets students design their own major.
Reed College, Brown University, Indiana University-Bloomington, Columbia University, and Warren Wilson College.
more may exist...
True or False: You have to know your major before applying to college.
False. Many students apply undecided and explore different options in college.
Which college recently announced a new financial aid policy offering free attendance to students whose family income is under $100,000?
Harvard College
A record of a student's academic performance that is used by admissions offices, scholarship committees, and employers to evaluate academic achievement.
A Transcript
Can you major in astrobiology at NAU?
True or False: Private colleges are always more expensive than public ones.
FALSE! Private colleges often offer more financial aid, which can make them just as affordable—or even cheaper.