Introduction

When you decide to continue your education, you’re making a big decision about your future—one that will have a positive impact on the rest of your life. The process of selecting a school, applying, getting in and paying for it can seem overwhelming at times. There are many variables, options and things you’ll need to know. This unit will help you prepare for that process and guide you along the way.

Here's an outline of what we will cover in this course: 

1. The value of higher education
2. Being a smart consumer of higher education
3. Saving for higher education
   1. How much will college cost
   2. Compare savings options
   3. What is a 529 College Savings Plan
   4. CollegeInvest 529 Savings Plans
   5. College savings tips
4. The College Opportunity Fund (COF)
5. The financial aid process and types of financial aid
   1. The financial aid process
   2. Types of financial aid – Gift aid
   3. Types of financial aid – Self-help aid
6. Financial Aid Applications
   1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   2. The CSS Profile
7. After the FAFSA – what’s next
   1. The SAR and EFC
   2. The financial aid formula
   3. Financial aid appeals
8. Award notifications
9. Your scholarship search
10. College planning timeline and checklist for high school students
11. Education tax credits
12. Summary