Disqualifying themselves for financial Aid! Many families report more than they have to on the financial aid forms or they put money in the wrong places, thus they disqualify themselves from receiving financial Aid! Certain assets are counted much more heavily in the financial aid formulas than others.

Putting money in their child's name! Generally 35% of all the money (assets) in a child's name must go to pay college costs before receiving financial aide!

Not researching for sources of aid! Maybe, just maybe, you can find a grant to replace the loan for which you might otherwise have to apply.

Not filing for financial aid as close to January 1st as possible! Many colleges award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, you may not be eligible for state aid if you wait until April to submit your FAFSA. Some states have earlier submission requirements.

Believing it is cheaper to go to a state school! While the overall cost of a state college maybe less, it's also true the have much less needs based aid available. Don't eliminate a school just because it's expensive. A great deal of assistance is available, and you may be surprised at how much you or your student receives.

Not understanding that tuition is less than 40% of the cost of a college education! Each school's
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Nathalie Vaiser