94. Provide high school students with early information about the financial aid for which they are likely eligible.

Partnerships and P-12 Education Systems 09.6.24

Here’s what the federal government can do:

  • Congress should establish categorical eligibility for the maximum Pell Grant for students participating in public benefits, such as TANF, WIC, SNAP, Section 8, and Medicaid.
  • The U.S. Department of Education should work with school districts to ensure students have access to information about the amount of financial aid for which they are likely eligible.

Here’s what state government can do:

  • State legislatures and state higher education coordinating agencies should make aid estimator tools available so that high school students know the state aid that they may be eligible for.

Here’s what institutional leaders can do:

  • Higher education institutions should provide access to the “net price,” not just the “sticker price,” to avoid the disincentivizing effects of high tuition costs.
  • Higher education institutions should provide information about support for non-tuition expenses (e.g., subsidized meal plans, housing, books and materials, and transportation) so that students can picture a viable pathway to college.

The astronomical sticker prices presented by many colleges and universities can discourage students from applying, even if they are likely eligible for considerable financial aid. Providing early information about their likely aid eligibility and costs can help to reassure students that higher education is within their reach.