Score The Aid You Deserve

Careers and Colleges, Nov, 2001

Now in his first semester of his freshman year, my nephew Peter Bordes is at his dream school--the State University of New York College at Cortland. The institution has everything he dreamed of--a respected elementary education program, a competitive hockey club (he lives for hockey), pizza delivery to the dorm, and a reasonable price.

To pay the bill, he applied for aid, and based on his family's finances, Cortland awarded him a package covering about one-third of the $10,554 cost. This financial aid package combines a state grant with both unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford loans. Plus, Peter won a New York State Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship, which provides an extra $1,000. The rest comes from family savings.

"The cost is definitely worth it," says Peter. "This is the No. 1 school in the state for teaching, and because it's small, I'm meeting a lot of new people; teachers are devoted; and the job placement office should definitely help me get a job later."

CAREERS & COLLEGES' How to Pay for College issue is dedicated to helping college-bound students, like Peter, get the financial aid and higher education they deserve. It's a comprehensive resource featuring essential information on applications, loans, scholarships, and grants, as well as cost-cutting tips and profiles of students who explain how they paid. If you have any experiences regarding college funding that you would like to share.

Don Rauf

Editor-in-Chief