What Will College Cost You?

Here are a few sample Total Costs for one year, 2009-2010:

  • Drew University - $48,638
  • George Washington University - $50,357
  • Elon University- $33,725
  • Furman University - $45,826
  • University of Richmond $50,630
  • PSU – University Park– In-State - $24,936; Out-of State - $36,466
  • PA State Schools - In-State - $15,000 + (varies by school)

What will colleges Expect your Family to Contribute to your child’s college education?

Don’t be blindsided.  Too many families are assuming that “it” will all just work out, and that is simply not true.  Be proactive. Enter your financial information into one of the many financial aid calculators available on-line. Many families who do not anticipate costs discover that colleges do not necessarily meet the family’s need.  All colleges expect families to contribute to the student’s education and all colleges expect students to incur some debt (loans).  I hope that the college tuitions identified above will prompt you to explore college costs and financial aid well before your child’s senior year.

Here’s the College Guidance Team’s Recommendation:

  • Log on to http://www.finaid.org/calculators/
  • Determine what colleges will expect you to contribute to your child’s education (EFC) by clicking on The Expected Family Contribution and Financial Aid Calculator).

The following items are considered in determining financial need:

  • family size
  • student income and assets
  • parents' income and assets*
  • the number of family members enrolled in college
  • extraordinary family circumstances

*Financial information from both parents, even if they are divorced or separated, is used to determine financial need by most colleges, but not all colleges.

Project college costs and ways to save for college by clicking on the other calculators found on finaid.org