Cost of Attendance
T/F: The sticker price is the actual amount you’ll pay for college.
**False** – It’s the total listed cost before financial aid.
(T/F): Grants must be repaid.
False
What is a Pell Grant?
A) A type of loan
B) Free money for eligible students
C) A scholarship for athletes
D) A campus job
B) Free money for eligible students
(T/F): Scholarships are only for seniors.
False
T/F: You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal financial aid like grants, loans, and work-study.
True
Filling out FAFSA isn't glamorous .... but neither is avoidable-debt or giving up free money.
Which is a 'direct' cost?
A) Groceries
B) Tuition
C) Movie tickets
D) Your Spotify subscription
B) Tuition
Which one is NOT a type of aid?
A) Grants
B) Scholarships
C) Course-selection advice
D) Loans
C) Course-selection advice
(T/F): Work-study money is automatically applied to your bill.
False – This is income that is earned by working. Think *Paycheck*
What is the difference between merit-based and need-based scholarships?
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic achievements, talents, or other specific accomplishments, regardless of their financial need. Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need for assistance with their college expenses.
What month should seniors file the FAFSA?
Expected: October 1st
Fill in the blank: Your ___ cost is the Cost of Attendance minus grants and scholarships.
Net
(Fill in the blank): Work-study provides ___-time jobs to help students earn money.
Part-time
Which is a federal loan you repay with interest?
A) Pell Grant
B) Subsidized Loan
C) Merit Scholarship
D) FAFSA
B) Subsidized Loan
Which of the following is usually required when applying for a private scholarship?
A) A handshake and good vibes
B) A completed FAFSA only
C) An application, possibly with essays and recommendations
D) Just knowing someone on the scholarship committee
C) An application, possibly with essays and recommendations
(Rhyme Challenge): Tuition is pricey, the struggle is real, submit your FAFSA to land a good ---------.
Deal!
Which is not included in the COA?
A) Housing
B) Books/supplies
C) Graduation gift to your sibling
D) Transportation
C) Graduation gift to your sibling
Which of the following is free money?
A) Federal loans
B) Parent PLUS loan
C) Scholarships
D) Private loans
C) Scholarships
(Fill in the blank): Your parents can apply for a ___ PLUS Loan to help you pay.
ParentPLUS Loan
(Fill in the blank): Scholarships can be based on need, merit, or your ___ (like hobbies or community work).
Interests
Which is better to get first:
A) Free money (grants/scholarships)
B) Loans
A) Free money (grants/scholarships)
Bonus Dad Joke: Why didn't the student bring a ladder to college?
Because they were able to bring the high cost of attendance down to the ground! 😆 (after completing their FAFSA, applying to scholarships etc.,)
Real Question: Please name two indirect costs.
Acceptable responses included: Books/supplies, transportation, off-campus food/housing, personal expenses.
Bonus Dad Joke: Why did the financial aid officer join a band?
Because they’re great with notes (of currency)! 🎷
Real Question: List all 4 main types of financial aid.
Grants, scholarships, loans, work-study.
Bonus Dad Joke: Why don’t private loans ever get invited to parties?
Because they come with strings attached lololol
Real Question: Name two risks/things to consider of private loans.
Answer: Higher interest, fewer flexible repayment options.
Bonus Dad Joke: How do scholarships flirt?
"Are you FAFSA? Because you complete me... and lower my net price."
"Are you an essay prompt? Because I've been thinking about you all night."
Real Question: What’s one way to find private scholarships?
Use CP Notion Scholarship Page, search online, through organizations/jobs, or ask a counselor.
Activity: Make a 30-second comedy pitch to convince a friend why not filling out FAFSA is like skipping free pizza. Then explain why everyone should apply.
Let the Show Begin!