College decisions must be made by Tuesday, May 1.  Here is a last-minute update on issues relating to paying for college.

College cost and value

• Making the case for college: a comprehensive look at the data.
• How much does college actually cost?  How much of your income, savings, and home equity do schools expect you to use? Who gives the best deal among selective schools?

Scholarships

• Scholarships are a real numbers game for colleges.  Learn how colleges use them to attract the best (not the neediest) students.
• Be aware that some scholarships aren't totally free.  Amounts covering more than tuition are usually subject to income tax!
• Here are two stories about how some colleges are beginning to give scholarships for esports.   Maybe you shouldn’t fret over your kids’ video game habit….it might be worth something!

Financial Aid

• Here is an examination of the distribution of financial aid.  If a college education is the way into the middle class, why isn’t more aid going to lower income students?
• In contrast, a story out of Amarillo Texas report that its students received $44 million in scholarships through the RaiseMe program.  Students and staff review the program here.
• College financial aid is not constant year to year.  TeenVogue explains why it may vary each year.
• Financial aid letters can be confusing.  Learn how to read them. (see also the NGPF blog and related questions and activities on this subject.)
• Forbes suggest seven ways to get more financial aid.
• CNBC describes how to negotiate for a better financial aid package.
• The WSJ discusses how to appeal a financial aid decision.
• Student financial services platform CampusLogic raises $55 million to increase its collection of edtech firms hoping to change how colleges and universities manage financial aid and help students find more grant money and decrease lending.

State news

• Connecticut is poised to pass legislation giving undocumented students access to financial aid.
• New Jersey is awaiting the governor's signature on similar legislation.
• University of Texas (Austin) announced it will be giving more aid to lower income students.

Managing your money

• Once you get to school, you must have a place to stay and food to eat. This
• April 3 report showing hunger and homelessness among students is a real issue.
• When choosing a repayment plan, make sure you also understand how your student loan repayment habits affect your credit score.

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