Financial Aid Resources

Last week I had the opportunity to speak at Santa Fe Prep about Financial Aid & the College Decision Process. (View the Santa Fe Prep Presentation)   After the presentation, I had the chance to discuss the information shared with the Santa Fe Prep college counselors.  One of the primary takeaways from the night, and one of my points of emphasis, was the amount of resources available to students and families looking to navigate the process. 

First, my recommendation is to start thinking about paying for college as soon as possible.  Financial fit is as important as the social and academic fit at the colleges you would like to attend.  To help you gain a better understanding of financial fit, net price calculators are great resources for incoming undergraduate students.    Net price calculators can provide a good estimate of your financial aid eligibility at a particular school.  However, once you have decided to apply to college or university, you also need to think about the financial aid application process. Great resources are available to guide and assist you through the process.

Here is a quick list of resources that students and families can take advantage of:

• Visit a Financial Aid Office Website
  • Some will offer webinars, chats, videos, and links
• Attend Financial Aid Application Completion Events
  • College Goal Sunday is a national program focused on completing the FAFSA
  • Some colleges, high schools and foundations will offer events as well
• Department of Education   
• College in Colorado 
• @FAFSA follow FAFSA on Twitter or join in hosted Twitter conversation.

When in doubt, contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.  At DU, we have a group of dedicated financial aid advisors to provide assistance and guidance through the financial aid process.  If needed we are happy to schedule individual appointments with students and/or families.  These appointments can be done in person or over the phone.  Our goal is to not only assist students in making the transition to DU, but to also see those same students receive a University of Denver degree.

- Chris