A financial aid offer can feel like good news at first… until you start trying to figure out what all the numbers actually mean. In a recent episode of Countdown2College, Gage sat down with Becca Dobry, Area-Wide Director of Financial Aid at Central Community College, to break down what financial aid offers include and how students and families can make sense of them without feeling overwhelmed.

What Is a Financial Aid Offer?

At its core, a financial aid offer is a breakdown of how much college is expected to cost and what financial help is available for that academic year. It typically includes estimated tuition and fees, housing and meals, books, and other living expenses, along with the financial aid offered to help cover those costs.

When Are Offers Sent Out?

After a student completes the FAFSA, the colleges listed on their form will receive the student’s financial aid information. Colleges then take time to verify this information and finalize offers, which are usually sent digitally in February or early spring. Timelines can vary by school, so it’s important to check your email and student portal regularly. Missing a request for additional information can delay your offer.

Start With the Cost

Before looking at the aid itself, Becca recommends starting with the total cost of attendance. This usually includes:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Housing and meals (if applicable)
• Estimated personal and transportation expenses

Some of these costs are billed directly by the college, while others are estimates meant to help you plan ahead.

Gift Aid vs. Self-Help Aid

Not all aid is created equal, and understanding the difference matters.

Gift Aid includes grants and scholarships. This is money you don’t have to repay and should be your top priority when reviewing an offer.

Self-help aid includes student loans and work-study. Loans must be repaid after college, while work-study is earned through a paycheck and meant to help with day-to-day expenses.

Comparing Offers Side by Side

Comparing financial aid offers can be tricky since no two colleges format them the same way. Becca suggests going old-school: print them out. 

Look for similar categories across each offer, like total cost, gift aid, and loans. Some offers look generous at first glance, but details matter. Keep a close eye on the fine print so you fully understand each offer before making a decision.

Decide What Works for You

There’s no single “best” financial aid offer. What matters most is fits your goals and your family’s budget. Some students focus on minimizing debt, while others prioritize graduating on a specific timeline. The right choice looks different for everyone.

If your financial aid offer feels confusing, you’re not alone. Financial aid offices exist to walk students through these decisions and answer questions one-on-one. With the right information and support, those numbers can start to make a lot more sense.