There are some useful ways of estimating college costs in advance.  One way of doing so at a given college is to use what are known as a Net Price Calculators.  These are available on most college websites as well.  NPCs allow prospective students to enter some basic financial information to determine what students similar to them paid to attend the institution the previous year (after taking grants and scholarships into account).  Colleges also typically list their rates for tuition and room and board on their Admissions/ Financial Aid webpage.  An additional resource is the College Board NPC website which can inform people on how to best interpret and compare the results from various net price calculators.

There are several other tools that can help families determine approximate costs of attending a particular school or conversely what colleges believe families might be expected to pay given their financial circumstances.  One such tool is known as the Federal Student Aid Estimator (FAFSA).  By providing financial information the FSA Estimator will estimate your eligibility for federal student aid.

The US Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center offers a variety of very helpful tools and resources for determining costs and comparing colleges USDOE College Affordability

Financial Safety Schools

It is highly recommended that all students apply to at least one Financial Safety School (FSS). A Financial Safety School is one that the student would be able to afford with relatively little need for financial aid, one at which the student is almost certain to be accepted, and one that the student is willing to attend.

A Florida in-state public four year college or university is often a good Financial Safety School, since in-state tuition is lower than tuition at a private college or out of state, non-resident, tuition at a public college or university in another state.  Most Pine View students are, as well, eligible for a full or partial Bright Futures award, covering nearly half of in-state tuition (the BF application will open on October 1st).   Students can also reduce college costs by avoiding the travel expenses inherent in attending an out-of-state school.

Private colleges and universities are generally most expensive, however, these institutions may be able to offer very competitive financial aid packages.  Additionally, some very strong but lesser known colleges may be a better financial value than many highly selective institutions.  These schools (both public and private) work hard to attract the best students to strengthen their academic profiles.  As a result many Pine View students that might not otherwise qualify for financial aid may obtain considerable merit scholarships.

Applying for Financial Aid - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Students should apply as early as possible for Financial Aid from the colleges or universities to which they are applying.  The 2025-26 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2024 though you may create an account now.  Please apply so that you may be eligible for all applicable awards (need-based, merit, institutional grants, work study, federally subsidized loans, etc.).  Please note that financial aid award letters from colleges are issued to those who complete the FAFSA first.

Merit Scholarships

Students should apply for merit aid if eligible.  Merit Aid may be based on academic merit, musical or athletic talent, demonstrated leadership, and/or a record of community service and is offered by the schools to which a student applies.  Available merit opportunities that require an application can be found on College Admissions/Financial Aid websites

Students are more likely to receive merit aid from a school if they are at the top of the applicant pool and will raise the college or university’s average SAT score, ACT score, and/or average GPA.  This makes many Pine View students a commodity for many colleges and should be taken into consideration when determining where to apply.

There are many private scholarships that are not associated with particular colleges or universities.  The Scholarship List in Schoolinks is an excellent place to start looking for these scholarships.

AP Credit/Dual Enrollment Coursework

It is possible to shorten the length of time as an undergraduate by attending schools that award credit to students who achieve high enough AP scores.   This can significantly lessen the cost of college by reducing attendance by up to a full year.  This aid many highly  selective colleges grant little or no credit for AP scores.   Most colleges list which tests and what scores qualify for credit on their website or refer to AP Credit Policies.  Students who complete Dual Enrollment coursework while in high school also earn college credit (at in-state, public universities) accelerating their course of study and reducing the time required to attain their undergraduate degree (and costs!).

Honors Programs

If attending in-state, consider applying to an Honors Program or Honors College.  Honors programs often provide a school within a school and offer enrichment opportunities and smaller, more challenging classes.  These programs are something to consider for students who are hoping to control costs but still experience a high quality, smaller program.  Honors programs at public out-of- state schools sometimes offer scholarships to admitted out-of-state students.

SCF or Florida State College System

Starting at an in-state 'community' college to fulfill general requirements, and transferring to a four-year, in-state public college or university for the final two years is a smart option for some students.  When applying make sure that courses meet the degree requirements of a particular four-year institution or major.