Comparing financial aid offers

Updated Aug 11, 2022

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 college?
How can comparing financial aid offers help you make an informed decision about your higher education?

Objectives

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.

Download activity

Teacher guide

Comparing financial aid offers (guide)

Student materials

Comparing financial aid offers (worksheet)

Emmett compares three financial aid offers (handout)

Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.

Explore related resources

Key information for this activity

Building block

(What are the building blocks?)

Financial knowledge and decision-making skills

Topic

Save and invest (Saving for college), Spend (Paying for college), Borrow (Getting loans)

School subject

CTE (Career and technical education), English or language arts, Math, Social studies or history

Audience

Grade level: High school (9-10), High school (11-12)

Age range: 13-15, 16-19

Student characteristics: Special education, Low income, Rural, Urban

Activity characteristics

Activity type: Individual, Small group

Teaching strategy: Simulation

Bloom’s Taxonomy level: Analyze

Activity duration: 45-60 minutes

National standards

(What are the national standards? )

Standards: I. Earning income, II. Spending, V. Managing credit

Legal Disclaimer

This resource includes links and references to third-party resources or content that consumers may find helpful. The Bureau does not control or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. By listing these links and references, the Bureau is not endorsing and has not vetted these third-parties, the views they express, or the products or services they offer. Other entities and resources also may meet your needs.