Family and care
How to read a financial aid offer
A financial aid offer mixes grants, loans and work-study, and the headline number can mislead. Learn what to compare so you can see the real cost per year.
Read first
Products for this
Common questions
What is the difference between grants and loans?
Grants and most scholarships do not need repaying. Loans do, usually with interest. Compare them separately.
What should I compare between schools?
Total cost of attendance, grant money, the loan amount and what you would owe each year after aid.
Is this financial advice?
No. This is general information. Ask the school's financial aid office about your own offer.
More on family and care
- Caring for an aging parent
- Puppy first week
- Toddler won't eat dinner
- Scam-proof a parent's phone
- Dog separation anxiety help
- Cat litter box problems
- Rescue dog first 30 days
- College application timeline
- Dorm room packing list
- Grief journal first year
- Screen time rules for kids
- Potty training without pressure
- Tantrums ages 2 to 6
- Homework battles
- Family emergency plan