Edmit Guide for Early High School

Step 1

Financial Aid 101

Types of college costs

Tuition, fees, room, board, and more - defined.

Types of financial aid

"Financial aid" is an umbrella term. Here's what it includes.

Need-based and merit-based aid

A key distinction when figuring out what type of aid you'll be eligible for.

Step 2

How Financial Need Is Calculated

FAFSA basics

It all starts with the FAFSA, so get acquainted with what that form does.

What assets count on the FAFSA

See what's included in the financial aid formula.

CSS Profile basics

The other financial aid form that matters for several hundred private colleges.

Home equity and financial aid

Often your home is the most valuable asset you own - here's how it affects your cost of college.

Step 3

Financial Aid Under Different Circumstances

Divorced parents and financial aid

Find out how non-custodial parents are treated by colleges and the federal government for financial aid purposes.

Independent or dependent student?

In cases where parents are offering no support, can a student self-identify as independent for financial aid purposes?

Financial aid for immigrants and their children

Learn what aid is available, including for those who are undocumented.

Paying for college for international students

Learn what aid is available for students from outside the US.

Step 4

Setting financial expectations

How admissions officers decide who gets accepted

(And who gets financial aid.) Here is the inside scoop.

What percent of parents pay for college?

As with most everything, who pays for college and how much they pay varies family to family - here are the trends.

How to choose the right college

An overview of the key elements of the college decision.

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Early High School

Build foundational knowledge about college pricing and financial aid before the search begins.