How Need is Determined
To see if your family qualifies, schools will assess how much you can pay. Many use the Parent's Financial Statement (PFS) or a similar form. Whichever form your school uses, you will generally be asked to detail information including:

• Family size
• Income and expenses
• Assets and indebtedness
• Student assets

Most schools review every case individually, using their own need-analysis formula. The amount awarded will vary from student to student and from school to school.

If You Require Aid to Attend
If financial aid is a make-or-break issue, apply for aid at more than one school. Each institution's tuition amount, endowments, and overall financial aid philosophy will have a big impact on what you might be awarded. You'll never know if you don't try!

 To maximize your chances:

• Start early
• Shop smart
• Apply to multiple schools

It's also smart to visit with the financial aid counselors at the schools you are considering. They'll know the system better than anyone, and could potentially point you toward additional sources of funding, such as merit-based awards.