Separate grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans to estimate what remains to pay.
Program rules, amounts, and dates can change. Check the linked official sources for the current cycle.
Identify each type of aid
An offer may include federal, state, school, or private aid. Separate grants and scholarships from work-study earnings and loans.
Check conditions and timing
Review enrollment, renewal, academic, service, and disbursement requirements. Ask when funds apply and when school charges are due.
Calculate the remaining cost
Compare total estimated costs with gift aid, then plan separately for wages, savings, and borrowing. A school offer is more specific than a general online estimate.