The Piecemeal Approach to Affording Higher Education

Week 7: How to Find Schools with the Best Financial Aid

Last week we explained how schools calculate your financial need. This week we’ll introduce you to a handy tool that can help you find schools that fit both your interests and your budget.


It’s important to find schools that have the major, location, and/or size that are right for you, but it’s also important to have multiple schools on your list that are affordable. 


How do you find schools that meet all of those criteria? 


Start by using the College Board’s BigFuture college search tool. Here’s how:


  • First, search based on major, location, type of school, and/or campus life to see a list of schools that meet your criteria. 
  • To find schools that offer better financial aid, click on “Affordability” near the top of the page. 
  • Under “Financial Need Met,” select the “90% or more” option to find schools that cover at least 90 percent of financial need. These percentages are only averages, but they provide a good starting point when building your list of schools.


Once you have a list, you can dig deeper to learn more about each school and decide which ones you want to apply to. We highly recommend applying to more than one school so that you have options.


NEXT WEEK: Once you’ve identified some schools you’re interested in, how can you get an estimate of what each school will cost you? Watch for next week’s email to find out!

 

Summer Email Series

Your Guide to Affording Higher Ed


Miss the previous weeks’ emails? Catch up here:

Week 1: The Piecemeal Approach

Week 2: Summer Jobs and Savings

Week 3: Scholarships

Week 4: The Financial Aid Process

Week 5: Applying for Need-Based Financial Aid

Week 6: How Schools Determine Financial Aid Eligibility

Have Fun Building Your List!

Searching for colleges can be really exciting—the possibilities are endless! Did you know there are more than 3,800 colleges in the United States alone?


For many students, researching schools is when the idea of college starts to feel real. It’s an important step in creating the future you want—enjoy it, and know we’re here to help in any way we can!



FAME's FAFSA and financial aid help is always free!

We're Here to Help!

FAME's College Access and Financial Education Team

 

Mila Tappan

College Access and Outreach Manager

207-620-3504

Email Mila

Floreka Mananga

New Mainer

Specialist

207-620-3530

Email Floreka

Jessica Whittier

College Access Counselor

207-620-3555

Email Jess

Michelle Radley

College Access Counselor

207-620-3535

Email Michelle

Nikki Vachon

College Access Counselor

207-620-3529

Email Nikki

 

Mary Dyer

Financial Education Programs Manager

207-620-3556

Email Mary

 

Steve Kautz

Financial Education Programs Specialist

207-620-3566

Email Steve

Karin Parsons

College Savings Counselor

207-620-3502

Email Karin

Maire Pelletier

College Savings Counselor

207-620-3508

Email Maire

 

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