With admissions decisions around the corner, many of you will need to consider affordability and make sense of the financial aid packages coming your way.

In this article, we'll define some key terms, work through a case study to make the process more tangible, and provide some key takeaways for you to apply to your own situation.

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Beginning this year, you'll be able to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as early as October 1st.  Here's a good article from the New York Times which details some of the changes you should be aware of.

This article from the Wall Street Journal explores the "value" of attending a name-brand college from three perspectives: the applicant's, the and the employer's and an admissions expert.  The article also includes a list of "best value" schools courtesy of PayScale that considers return on investment (future reported salaries) in addition to cost.  

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Here's an article from Daniel Goldstein at Marketwatch entitled, "10 things the college admission office won't tell you."  It attempts to shed insight on topics such as grade inflation, essay authenticity, perceived exclusivity and need-aware admissions.

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Several colleges are now attempting to cast a wider net with respect to financial aid.  The beneficiary: the middle class.  

This article from the Wall Street Journal outlines some of the initiatives being taken by public and private schools throughout the nation to earmark more grant aid to families earning between $65,000 and $150,000 per year.

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