The short version
- Learning the vocabulary early makes senior year calmer.
- Many colleges publish a net price calculator.
- The official forms are free and online.
Vocabulary to learn
- Cost of attendance.
- Need-based and merit-based.
- Grant and scholarship.
- Aid offer.
Net price calculators
Colleges are required to publish a net price calculator on their websites. It gives a rough estimate of costs after grants for a family like yours. It is an estimate, not an offer.
What to do each year
- Middle school: talk about plans in general terms.
- Early high school: learn the vocabulary together.
- Junior year: look at net price calculators for a few schools.
Where to learn more
StudentAid.gov has family guides, and school counselors can share local information.
Pupilva is an information website, not a school, college, lender, scholarship service, or government agency. It does not award or administer grants, take aid applications, offer or arrange loans, match you with schools or programs, or share your details with schools, lenders, or other partners. Nothing here is financial, legal, or admissions advice.