1. Navigating Your Financial Future
Budgeting For College
Navigating Your Financial Future

2. Overview
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) early and compare colleges
Cost of Attendance (tuition/fees, housing and meal plan)
Financial Aid Award Information
Choose the Affordable Housing/Meal Plan
Budget College Income & Expenses

3. Complete FAFSA Early & Compare Colleges
Complete FAFSA as soon as it is available to apply
Grants are given on a first come first served basis
Compare colleges to find out the eligible aid for each school
You can add up to 10 colleges to your FAFSA
You will compare Cost of Attendance (COA) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

4. Cost of Attendance
Get the total estimated cost of tuition/fees, housing & meal plan
Include your major (cost changes)
Go to the college’s website for additional cost
May have a payment plan you can get on early if you will pay a portion out of pocket
Again, compare the costs to the other colleges to determine what is most affordable

5. Financial Aid Award Information
Scholarships – Free Money
Federal Pell Grant – Free Money
MAV Grant – Free Money
Direct Subsidized Loan – Interest Free (While in College)
Unsubsidized Loans – Accrues Interest (While in College)
PLUS Loans – Parent Loan
Private Loans
“How many of you guys are transfer students? Well, as a transfer student myself I definitely know the ins and outs of how to maximize your financial aid and what options you have. Hopefully all of you are completing the FAFSA every year, even if you don’t think you’d get approved, you should try to apply. As transfer students you may have filed it out for your old school, so just keep in mind to enter UTA’s code vs. what you had previously. Some forms of aid may include the Pell grant, Direct Subsidized Loans (government pays interest) and Unsubsidized Loans (you pay interest while you're in school), PLUS Loans (having your parents get it), Perkins Loans (exceptional financial need), and private loans (that you can typically get from your bank).”

6. Choose Affordable Housing/Meal Plan
Student 1 Tuition Undergrad $4,625 Arlington Hall (Private) $2,908 Platinum Meal Plan $1,820 Total $9,353
Financial Aid Award: $16,000yr

7. (Save $1,555term/$3,110yr/$12,440(4yrs))
Student 2 Tuition Undergrad $4,625 Lipscomb Hall (Double) $1,568 Gold Meal Plan $1,605 Total $7,798
(Save $1,555term/$3,110yr/$12,440(4yrs))

8. (Save $3,300term/$6,600yr/$26,400(4yrs))
Student 3 Tuition Undergrad $4625 Brazos House $1428 Total $6053
(Save $3,300term/$6,600yr/$26,400(4yrs))

9. Create a College Budget
Income
Amount Per Term
Money from Savings
$0.00
Employment
$2,000.00
Parent Contribution
Financial Aid
$7,000.00
Total Income
$11,000.00
Expenses
Tuition
$4,625.00
Housing
$3,962.10
Meal Plan
$1,435.40
Books
$500.00
Total Expenses
$10,522.50
Combine Total Income & Expenses
Total Expense
Total Income or Expense
477.50

10. Review Complete FAFSA Early and Compare Colleges
Contact Colleges for Cost of Attendance
Choose the Most Affordable Housing & Meal Plan
Create a College Budget

11. Student Money Management Center
Location: Davis Hall 241
Hours of Operation: M-F 8am-5pm
Website:
Phone:
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Student Money Management Center