Paying for College Begins With:
Making a balanced college list, sooner vs. later. Sophomore year is NOT to early.
Running college net price calculators early in high school. Google, "X College Net Price Calculator". This is an excellent parent/guardian job.
Researching each college's scholarships as you research the school. Google, "X College Scholarships".
Estimating your family's student aid index (SAI) with a FAFSA forecaster. SAI College Cost Calculator
Understanding the CSS Profile will need to be completed if it's one of many Meets Needs School.
Applying for ALL free money you qualify for: Oregon Promise, Chemeketa Scholars, etc.... Never leave money on the table. Give yourself all options through spring of senior year.
Having a commuter college in your college list. WOU and Willamette University will let you commute from home along with the community colleges.
FAFSA/ORSAA 25/26 Changes for the Class of 2025 and Beyond
The FAFSA gives an SAI: Student Aid Index. Remember, FAFSA is just a formula by which colleges build your financial aid award packages.
The Net Price Calculators each college/university are required to give you may no longer reflect the FA changes coming.
There will no longer be a discount for multiple students in college at the same time in the same household.
However, colleges do care if you have multiples in college at the same time. Ask for more finacial aid!
Businesses and farms will now need to report their income/assets even if it's a small family owned business.
HUNT MERIT MONEY! Your grades matter!