How do I compare financial aid offers?

This page uses California colleges as examples, but the method works for any college. This is general information, not financial advice.

Why can two offers look so different?

Colleges do not use the same format. One may list loans next to grants as if they were the same. One may leave out housing. A bigger offer can still cost you more. So you have to line them up yourself.

How do I line them up?

Do these five steps for each college.

1. Find the full cost of attendance. Search the college's website for "cost of attendance." Use the full yearly total, not just tuition. UC, for example, estimates $49,078 for a new California student living on campus in 2027 to 2028, of which tuition is $16,278 (UC). Housing and food are often the biggest part. Add your own costs, like a phone or helping your family.
2. Add up free money. Grants and scholarships you do not pay back. For California students that can include the Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, campus grants and outside scholarships.
3. Subtract. Full cost minus free money equals your net cost. This is the number to compare.
4. List the rest of your plan. How will you cover the net cost? Savings, family help, a job, a paid fellowship or a loan.
5. Compare. Put the net costs side by side. Then think about what the numbers do not show: distance from home, support for undocumented students, and whether you can finish on time.

What counts as free money, and what does not?

Loans help you pay now. They do not lower your cost.

What should undocumented students and DACA recipients check?

• Federal aid. Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, cannot get federal student aid (Federal Student Aid fact sheet, copy posted by Oregon Student Aid). If your offer lists a federal grant or federal loan, ask the financial aid office about it before you count on it.
• AB 540. Make sure the offer uses the in state price. If you see nonresident tuition, ask whether your AB 540 affidavit was received. See How do I fill out the AB 540 affidavit?
• The Dream Loan. At Cal State, CA Dream Act filers can be considered for the California Dream Loan. Treat it as a loan, not a grant.
• The Dream Service Incentive Grant. If you file the CA Dream Act Application and get a Cal Grant A or B, you can earn up to $4,500 more a year by doing 300 hours of community service. It has its own application each year in WebGrants, open until June 30 or until the awards run out (CSAC).

What does a comparison look like?

What if the gap is too big?

Do not give up on a school before you ask.

• Call the financial aid office. Tell them your offer leaves a gap. Ask if they can review it, especially if your family's income dropped or something changed.
• Ask about campus grants for undocumented students. Your Dream Center will know.
• Keep applying for scholarships. Many do not ask about status. See How do I apply for scholarships without citizenship?
• Look at a lower cost path. Living at home or starting at a community college can cut the cost a lot.

Compare worksheet

Who can help?

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Each college's financial aid office, to explain any line on your offer.
• Your college's Dream Center or Dream Resource Liaison.
• California Student Aid Commission: (888) 224-7268, studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.

Related questions

• How much will college cost me?
• How do in state tuition and the Dream Act work together?
• What is the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship?

You did the hard work to get these offers. Now do the math and choose with clear eyes.