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Financial aid planner

Track deadlines, compare college costs, and see your student's progress — all in one place.

$148,500
Total cost (all schools)
$63,000
Expected aid & scholarships
$85,500
Estimated net cost

Financial aid tasks

Timing shown is approximate. Verify deadlines with each school and studentaid.gov.

Complete FAFSA
Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Oct–Mar (verify at studentaid.gov)Not started
Submit CSS Profile
Complete CSS Profile for institutional aid
Oct–Feb (varies by school)Not started
Research Scholarships
Identify external scholarship opportunities
Year-roundIn progress
Gather Financial Documents
Collect tax returns, W-2s, and other financial records
Oct–JanIn progress

College cost comparison

Figures are illustrative. Actual costs and aid vary — verify with each school's net price calculator.

SchoolTuitionRoom & BoardTotal costExpected aidNet cost
State University$12,000$14,000$29,200$11,000$18,200
Private College$55,000$16,000$75,000$40,000$35,000
Public University (Out-of-State)$28,000$13,000$44,300$12,000$32,300

Financial aid timeline

Freshman-Sophomore Year
Ongoing
Early Preparation

Support your student and begin financial planning

  • Encourage academic excellence
  • Support extracurricular involvement
  • Begin saving for college
Junior Year
Fall
Financial Planning

Get serious about college costs and funding

  • Use net price calculators
  • Review financial situation
  • Understand financial aid basics
Junior Year
Spring
College Research

Help identify appropriate colleges

  • Visit colleges together
  • Discuss college preferences
  • Review academic and financial fit
Senior Year
Fall
Financial Aid Applications

Submit financial aid forms

  • Complete FAFSA (verify current opening date at studentaid.gov)
  • Submit CSS Profile if required
  • Gather tax documents

Ready to start?

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