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Whether you’re getting ready to attend college, or you’re currently enrolled, it’s vital to utilize the financial resources available to you. One of the top resources many students and families forget about is the college financial aid office. This office is dedicated to helping students pay for college. Going to the office and speaking with the financial advisors is free and available to every prospective and current student.

We encourage every college student to take advantage of this free resource. The first step is to set up an appointment at your chosen college’s financial aid office. We’ve put together a list of financial aid questions to ask colleges to get you started. These questions will help you narrow down your unique financial aid options and make paying for college a little bit easier.

Financial Aid Questions to Ask Your College

1. What are the full costs associated with attending your college? Besides tuition and housing, ask about meal plans, transportation costs, campus or course fees, and books and supplies needed for classes.
2. What type of payment plans do you offer? Can I pay in installments rather than bulk payments? Is there a fee for different payment plans?
3. What financial aid options does your college provide? Are they need-based or merit-based?
4. How do I apply for your college’s financial aid options?
5. Are there any deadlines I should be aware of?
6. When should I expect to hear what financial aid I’ve been awarded?
7. Do I have the option to appeal that decision if I don’t feel I’ve been given enough aid? How does the appeals process work?
8. What is the average amount of debt a student of your college graduates with?
9. Are there employment opportunities, either through work-study programs or otherwise, available on campus? How do I apply to these positions?
10. Where do you recommend I look for additional financial aid options, like private scholarships or grants?
11. If financial aid is offered to a student that ultimately decides not to attend, are you able give that aid to a different student?
12. If I’m awarded aid, how do I receive that aid? Is it awarded up-front, or spaced out throughout my semesters? Am I responsible for distributing the aid to your office?
13. Will my financial aid package be reduced if I receive outside scholarships or grants?

Best Practices for Working with a Financial Aid Office

Your college’s financial aid advisors are there to help you. But it is important to be professional and organized when working with them. In order to get the best results, follow these tips.

• Set up an appointment to meet with an advisor as soon as possible.
• Come prepared with a list of questions to ask, like the ones provided above.
• Make note of all important deadlines they tell you, and meet those deadlines.
• Keep copies of all important information and paperwork associated with your financial aid package.
• Be open and honest about your financial situation so they can find the best solutions for you.

Paying for college can be an overwhelming experience, but speaking with your financial aid office can alleviate the stress of the situation. Use these financial aid questions to ask your college how it can help you.

Read our Financial Aid Guide

Prepare yourself for paying for college with our detailed guide. We’ll break down the best way to pay for a college degree in three easy steps. This guide is for students and parents alike, and talks about everything from scholarships to the FASFA. Read it now!