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Comparing financial aid offers

Updated

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

cfpb_building_block_activities_comparing-financial-aid-offers_guide.pdf

Student materials

cfpb_building_block_activities_comparing-financial-aid-offers_worksheet.pdf

cfpb_building_block_activities_emmett-financial-aid-offers_handout.pdf

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