Your award letter should describe the type and amount of financial aid you'll receive, the cost of attendance and your Expected Family Contribution. If you're comparing award letters, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Spring Semester Haunt the mailbox for fat admission letters. Understand what your financial aid award letter is offering. You're not alone.
Most families expect more aid than they receive.
But you're not out of options yet. To further reduce your education costs, consider an interest-free monthly payment plan that lets you pay your tuition bill in monthly installments, instead of a lump sum. And if you still have unmet need, consider a private, alternative loan. Enroll in your school's monthly payment plan. Paying your tuition bill in monthly installments is a good way to make the most of the funds you've set aside for education.