Cost of College
What is "Cost of Attendance"(COA)?
The total cost to attend a college for one year.
*BONUS 200*
What costs are included in a COA, besides tuition?
What is a grant?
Free money for college that does not have to be repaid.
What is an Emergency Fund?
A savings account or set-aside money used only for unexpected expenses.
*BONUS 100*
"Explain It Like I'm 5"
Explain it in a way a 5-year-old would understand...
What is financial aid?
Simple, clear, & engaging --
Example: "Financial aid is when the money fairy (government) determines how much magic money you can get to go to a great big school called college!"
UB SHOUT! 🔊
In 45 seconds, list as many activities UB offers that you can recall!
Must shout one at a time as a team!
One activity = +25 points!
Summer program, free tutoring, college visits/tours, enriching activities/trips, academic/college mentoring, financial advice, SAT/ACT waivers & resources, academic assistance, workshop opportunities, volunteer opportunities, leadership opportunities (Student Ambassadors), etc...
True or False
The college "sticker price" is usually what students actually pay
False — Most students receive financial aid, reducing the real cost.
What is a scholarship?
Free money awarded based on merit, financial need, activities, or other specific criteria.
*BONUS 100*
Name one reliable website you can use to search for scholarships!
MUST BE EXACT - 150 point penalty if you are wrong!
How do test scores (SAT/ACT) help make college more affordable?
High scores can qualify you for scholarships and improve financial aid offers
*PRIZE WHEEL*
What is PHEAA and what state does it serve?
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; serves only Pennsylvania students.
Financial Aid Freeze!❄️
*BONUS 200*
The whole team freezes like a FAFSA in progress (aka choose a funny freeze pose) while one team member quickly explains why filing the FAFSA early is smart!
If anyone on the team laughs, 100 point penalty!
Submitting the FAFSA soon after it opens on October 1 can help you secure more financial aid! Including grants that don't have to be repaid!
Did anyone laugh?
What is a Net Price Calculator used for?
To estimate your personal cost to attend a specific college after grants, scholarships, and other aid are applied.
*PRIZE WHEEL*
What’s the main difference between grants/scholarships and loans?
Grants/Scholarships don’t have to be paid back; loans must be repaid with interest.
*PRIZE WHEEL*
How does improving your GPA lower college costs?
Higher GPAs can earn more merit-based scholarships and grants.
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
*BONUS 200*
One teammate from the awarded team, come up and grab your envelope... open it & read.
Smart Money Moves 💵
Your emergency fund just got used up!
In 45 seconds, brainstorm 3 realistic ways a student could replace those savings!!
Each extra answer = 50 bonus points
On-Campus/Off-Campus job
Work Study
Apply for more scholarships!
Side gigs (tutoring, dog sitting, baby sitting, freelance work)
Re-budget & Cut back spending
Reach out to the financial aid office
Sell used items
Rent/borrow textbooks instead of purchasing
Short-term loan (ONLY IF NECESSARY)
⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND⚡️
You have 20 seconds to use your resources!
The maximum award amount of the Federal Pell Grant for the 2025-26 award year
For the 2025-26 award year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant is $7,395
What is work-study and how does it help?
A part-time job (usually on-campus) for students with financial need that helps pay educational & personal expenses.
Name two ways to avoid borrowing too much in student loans
Apply for scholarships, work part-time, work-study, attend a more affordable college, raise your high school GPA, live at home to save on housing (commute to campus)
True or False
You only fill out FAFSA once during college.
False — You must submit FAFSA every year you are in school.
Would You Rather📝
Would you rather win a...
$10,000 scholarship or
have free room and board for a year?
You have 30 seconds to discuss. When time is up, your team must explain your choice!
IT ALL DEPENDS!
So, I am judging on the quality of the reasoning!
Is the reasoning clear & logical? Does it make sense? Was it creative?
*PRIZE WHEEL*
Scenario: Two colleges each of a COA of $50,000.
College A gives $25,000 in aid
College B gives $30,000 in aid.
Which is cheaper to attend?
College B — $50,000 COA, with $30,000 in aid = $20,000 left for my personal net price!
(College A = $25,000 left)
⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND⚡️
You have 15 seconds to use your resources!
Name the two types of federal student loans
Direct Subsidized Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Loan
How does UB help students afford college?
By offering SAT/ACT prep, FAFSA workshops, application & SAT/ACT testing fee waivers, scholarship guidance, tutoring, and academic & career mentoring.
*BONUS 200*
Which Upward Bound staff member(s) should you go to for FASFA assistance/advice?
Name two things you need to complete/fill out the FAFSA
Social Security Number, previous year's tax returns, FSA ID, income information, list of colleges you're applying to, etc...
*PRIZE WHEEL*
FAFSA Rap Battle! 🎶
You have 1 minute to...
Create a mini rap or chant explaining why every senior should complete the FAFSA.
Want to pass this challenge off to another team? 100 point penalty!
LAY DOWN THE BEAT!
https://youtu.be/a7zoM2w4Q6A?si=MaNVbjFNkEcZTdkn&t=21