Questions to Ask Colleges - Find that Good Fit! E94

Questions to Ask Colleges - Find that Good Fit! E94

From College 4 ALL by College 4 All

July 13, 2025 · 8 min · Season 8 · Episode 94

About this episode

This episode discusses essential questions to ask colleges regarding costs, financial aid, and academic environments to ensure a good fit.

Questions you need to ask colleges before you apply or enroll: Cost, Aid, and Transparency What is the total four-year cost of attendance, including expected increases? How do you determine who receives merit aid? Are there scholarships that don’t require separate applications? Will merit aid be automatically renewed each year, and are there GPA or enrollment requirements? Can you walk me through a sample financial aid award for a family with our income/assets? How much aid comes in the form of grants versus loans? Do you “front-load” aid—i.e., give more in the first year than in later years? If a parent loses a job or income drops, how flexible is your office in reassessing aid? Is work-study available to all students who qualify for it? What happens if we don’t qualify for need-based aid—do we still have a shot at merit awards? Do you “gap” students—i.e., admit them but don’t meet full need? Can you give me examples of recent financial aid appeals that were successful? Academics & Intellectual Environment What are the largest and smallest classes in the first two years? Will I be taught by professors or teaching assistants as a freshman? How often can undergraduates engage…

Topics covered

  • college admissions
  • financial aid
  • academic environment

Keywords

  • college questions
  • financial aid
  • scholarships
  • academic advising

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