Larry Moeder
Former Director of Admissions & Student Financial Assistance
Kansas State University
Some students don’t apply for financial aid because they think their parents make too much money, but it’s impossible to say what income is too high. We had a student whose family made well over $80,000 a year, and the student qualified for everything. On the surface, you would think this person would not qualify for a grant, but this family had a total of eight children (with six in college) and needed financial aid to put another child through school.
Jon Boeckenstedt
Vice Provost
Oregon State University
Too many parents and students use neighbors and friends as their sole source of financial aid information. For the vast majority of families, not even an experienced financial aid administrator can tell you how much assistance you might receive until you complete the appropriate forms. Financial aid isn't a yes/no proposition; it varies for every college and every student, so don’t let anyone talk you out of applying to the college you think is right for you. You have almost nothing to lose by trying.
To get more quick and helpful advice, check out answers to other important questions in our Financial Aid—Ask the Experts section.