Private schools tend to have deeper pockets than state schools. They also tend to cost more. Some schools send out acceptance and aid notifications on the same day. The first thing to consider is how much of the financial aid award is for grants and scholarships and how much is for loans. Check out all the details.
Some schools stick to tuition, books, and room and board.
S.C. Online advice for the maze Several Web sites, including Peterson's and FinAid , offer tips for maneuvering through the financial aid process. Detailed information on loans and a calculator for comparing award letters are available on the Nellie Mae site. The College Board site boasts numerous calculators, worksheets and online brochures. Be sure to check a university's Web site as well. You may find the answer you're looking for in the financial aid section.