FINANCIAL AID
www.du.edu/financialaid

Now that you've compared financial aid offers and calculated the unmet cost of attending the University of Denver, it's time to formulate a plan to manage that cost. Even though your award letter lists all of the institutional, federal and state financial aid we can offer, there are further options available to help you and your family fund this important investment in your future.

Free Money:
Remember that email about finding additional scholarships? We can't stress this option enough. Yes, applying for private scholarships takes a lot of time—but it's free money! And with the vast number of opportunities out there, the rewards can be great. (By the way: if you want an easy way to find out about new scholarships, like us on Facebook!)

Payment Plans:
If you can pay a little money out-of-pocket, utilizing one of DU's flexible payment plans can be a great way to help cover some of your unmet cost. Instead of writing one big check at the beginning of each quarter, you can spread the cost of tuition and fees over monthly payments. Learn more about this option from the Bursar's website.

Loans:
Many students and families that are seeking additional financing to help cover the costs of attending college will consider a Federal Parent PLUS or a private education loan. The loan program you choose is an individual decision that will depend on your and your family's circumstances and preferences. Both options have their pros and cons, and we highly recommend that you research these loans thoroughly before making that decision. Need help? Download our Federal PLUS vs. Private Loan chart! This document includes the questions to ask and the points to consider when determining which loan program is right for you. Our next few emails will also give you much more detail about each type of student loan available. So stay tuned!

Throughout the next few weeks, our director Chris George will be answering your questions and posting tips on managing unmet costs through his blog, 411 on Financial Aid – The Director's Blog. Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question in the comment section!

We understand that after reviewing your financial aid award, formulating a plan that covers the unmet costs of a DU education can be stressful. If you need additional help or have questions about your options, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance!

Up next week: Everything You Need to Know About Federal Perkins and Direct Loans

Want to review past Financial Aid 101 emails? Check out the archives!