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Comparing financial aid offers


Students compare college costs and financial aid offers for three schools and explore how the choices they make can have a financial impact down the road.

Big idea

Different college costs and financial aid offers can affect students differently down the road.

Essential questions

  • How does financial aid affect the cost of paying for college?
  • How can comparing financial aid offers help you make an informed decision about your higher education choices?


  • Compare college costs and financial aid offers
  • Make an informed choice about college based on an understanding about the long-term financial impact 

What students will do

  • Review and compare three financial aid offers made to Emmett, a high school senior.
  • Analyze the financial aid offers and answer analysis questions.
  • Write a brief paragraph on what school they’d choose if they were Emmett, and why they’d make that choice.