College Cost Planning Checklist

Use this worksheet to map tuition, aid forms, scholarships, and campus expenses. Confirm every number with each school. This guide does not guarantee aid approval or any funding outcome.

1. Compare school costs

List tuition and mandatory fees for each school
Check housing, meal plans, and estimated books
Note travel / commuting costs
Look up each school’s net price calculator
Write down the estimated amount your family may need to cover

2. Aid form timeline

Create or access your StudentAid.gov account
Gather tax docs and household info before FAFSA opens
Complete FAFSA as early as you can each year
Check if any school also needs a CSS Profile or other forms
Save confirmation emails and submission receipts

3. Scholarships & school awards

Ask each admissions office about merit and need-based awards
Search local community and employer scholarships
Track deadlines in one place
Submit applications with all required essays and transcripts
Compare award letters side by side when they arrive

4. Campus cost checklist

Laptop, textbooks, and course materials
Health insurance / campus health fees
Personal expenses and weekend food
Phone, internet, and laundry
Emergency buffer for unexpected costs

5. Before you commit to a school

Confirm total estimated yearly cost in writing
Review what aid is renewable vs. one-year only
Ask about work-study or campus job options
Set a simple monthly budget for the first term
Mark deposit and enrollment deadlines on your calendar

Notes

School: _______________________ Est. yearly cost: __________

This is a general education planning worksheet from New Path Review, not financial advice from a school or government agency. Always verify details with official sources, including StudentAid.gov and each university’s aid office.