Financial Aid

College affordability is a central factor in the college admissions process. Students are best prepared for applying to college and building a strong college list when they have a full understanding of how they can pay for college. Many of our students, regardless of financial need, apply for financial aid, whether that be need-based or merit-based aid and scholarships. The CCO provides programming, information, and support regarding a student’s financial aid and scholarship process.  

Even before a student is assigned a college counselor in eleventh grade year, there are many opportunities for students and families to prepare for affording college. The earlier a family understands what they are able, comfortable and willing to pay for, the more successful a student will be in finding the right financial fits.  

Financial Aid Timeline 

9^th Grade: 

• Begin research on college affordability (learn about financial aid policies and scholarship opportunities)
• Peruse resources, attend webinars, try out a few Net Price Calculators at universities with different financial aid policies 

10^th Grade: 

• Have family conversations about what the family and student are comfortable paying
• Continue your research on affording college and saving for college 

11^th Grade: 

• Familiarize yourself with financial aid forms and processes
• Complete Net Price Calculators for the colleges on a student’s preliminary college list
• Research financial aid policies of the colleges on a student’s college list
• Research merit-based opportunities colleges may offer
• Prepare documents needed for need-based financial aid process in the fall of senior year
• Attend CCO programming on financial aid for eleventh graders 

12^th Grade:

• Continue to research financial aid policies and complete NPCs for colleges on a student’s fall senior college list
• Attend CCO programming on financial aid for seniors
• October 1: FAFSA and CSS Profile open to apply for need-based aid
• Forms are usually due around the time of application (most of our students submit financial aid forms for a fall application)
• Apply for outside scholarships (awarded by organizations outside the college) 

Resources: 

• College Board: Pay for College  
• MEFA: Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority
• Student Aid: Understanding Financial Aid