As the cost of 4-year college continues to rise, it is vital that families understand the inner workings of the current financial aid system that they are relying on to help fund their student’s higher ed experience. Come learn what the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is, what is involved in filling it out and how it helps calculate financial aid. This session will also cover the factors that schools consider in awarding financial aid, the difference between “need based” and “merit based” financial aid, potential places to look for scholarships and other funding, and a framework for understanding how your financial reality should impact the final list of colleges your student should apply to.