How Am I Going to Pay for College?

This upbeat, quick-paced guidance program offers a great overview of available resources for funding higher education. Featuring comments from two students—one attending the University of Washington-Tacoma, and the other at Harvard—as well as professional tips from, among others, Colorado Academy college counselor Cathy Nabbefeld, How Am I Going to Pay for College? explores how students can find ways to offset average college costs that run into thousands of dollars each year. The program covers topics such as Pell and state-need grants; merit and need-based scholarships (advising students that community groups, national organizations, and small businesses often have various options to choose from); the weight of parents' income and assets on the financial aid application process (with breakdowns of the FAFSA and CSS Profile programs); government, private, and subsidized and unsubsidized loans; and work-study programs (which can help with extras such as books, room and board, supplies, incidentals, and transportation). Noting that persistence is key in getting results, while also reminding students that “those opportunities are there…just do your homework,” this fine guide is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)