The aim is a shortlist a student can explain, a cost estimate a family can check, and a clear list of questions for each college.
1. Choose a workable shortlist
Start with two to five schools. Ask the student to name a program, learning environment, location, support service, and practical constraint that matters at each one. Search the college catalog and open each school’s official website to confirm current program and admission details. CampusWorth does not assign a universal “best college” score.
2. Separate public averages from personal offers
CampusWorth’s school profiles show institution-level averages from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard release updated June 10, 2026. Average net price describes a reported group of aided students; it is not the price this student will pay. The underlying years and cohorts differ by measure. For public colleges, the average net price is based on in-state students. A negative reported average can mean average grant aid exceeded cost for that group; it is not a cash-back promise.
Use the student’s actual award letters in the aid-offer comparison. Put grants and scholarships in the gift-aid column. Keep loans and work-study separate. Confirm whether each grant renews, what conditions apply, and whether housing, food, books, transportation, and fees are included. Ask each college for an updated offer when information is unclear.
3. Put four years and the next question on one page
The decision workspace holds up to five selected schools and lets the family enter annual cost, renewable and one-time aid, resources, and a cost-growth assumption. It shows a four-year planning gap before loans. The model is a scenario, not a financial-aid determination. Print the record or save it as a PDF at the end of a meeting.
The school-only share link contains institution identifiers. Aid amounts, notes, and worksheet answers are kept in the current browser page and are not stored in a CampusWorth account. A printed copy contains whatever is visible; discuss who receives it.
Meeting worksheet
Print this section for a meeting, or use the digital workspace to fill in actual offers.
| Question | School A | School B | School C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program and support fit | |||
| Full annual cost | |||
| Renewable grants and scholarships | |||
| One-time gift aid | |||
| Work-study and loans, separately | |||
| Net price and funding gap | |||
| Unanswered question / owner / date |
Use your browser’s Print command to save a blank copy as a PDF.
Questions to send to a financial-aid office
- Which parts of this offer are guaranteed, and which can change after the first year?
- What GPA, credit-load, residency, or housing conditions apply to each grant?
- Are program-specific fees, books, travel, and health insurance included?
- What happens to aid if the student changes majors, transfers, or takes longer to finish?
- When and how can the student request a review if family circumstances changed?
Sources and limits: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (data release updated June 10, 2026), Scorecard glossary, and the CampusWorth methodology. Confirm current costs, programs, and award terms directly with each institution. This worksheet is educational information, not financial advice.