Students compare college costs and financial aid offers for three schools and explore how the choices they make can have a financial impact down the road.
Save and invest (Saving for college), Spend (Paying for college), Borrow (Getting loans)
CTE (Career and technical education), English or language arts, Math, Social studies or history
High school (9-10), High school (11-12)
45-60 minutes
Big idea
Different college costs and financial aid offers can affect students differently down the road.
Essential questions
- How does financial aid affect the cost of college?
- How can comparing financial aid offers help you make an informed decision about your higher education?
Objectives
- Compare college costs and financial aid offers
- Make an informed choice about college based on an understanding about the long-term financial impact
What students will do
- Review and compare three financial aid offers made to Emmett, a high school senior.
- Analyze the financial aid offers and answer analysis questions.
- Write a brief paragraph on what school they’d choose if they were Emmett, and why they’d make that choice.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_comparing-financial-aid-offers_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_comparing-financial-aid-offers_worksheet.pdf
cfpb_building_block_activities_emmett-financial-aid-offers_handout.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
