Behind the Scenes Look at Financial Aid

If you've ever wondered how financial aid decisions are made,this week's U.S. News & World Reports includes an interesting behind the scenes look at the Pomona financial aid office. Although the article notes that Pomona's awards "tend to be more generous and staightforward than most," the article sheds some light on some of the thinking that goes on in all financial aid offices, including concern about some parents trying to game the system and attempts to fairly divide aid resources among those who truly need them most. After you read this article, you may also want to look at an oldie-but-goodie from the U.S. News archives, a 2002 article that explains the key players in the financial aid process and details some of the ways in which financial aid decisions are made. Although some of the information is no longer current, the overview of the financial aid process is worth reading.

In this week's issue, there's also a useful article about comparing financial aid offers. While it's particularly applicable to this year's seniors and their families, it also offers some great tips for those just starting the college planning and application process.