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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOffice of Postsecondary Education (OPE)2019 College Affordability and Transparency Explanation Form (CATER) Handbook January 2019Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction

How to fill out college affordability and transparency

How to fill out college affordability and transparency

1. Start by gathering all the necessary financial documents, such as tax returns, bank statements, and proof of income.
2. Research and understand the financial aid options available, both from the government and from the college or university you are interested in.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online or in paper format, including all relevant information about your income and assets.
4. Consider applying for additional scholarships or grants offered by the college or external organizations to further reduce the cost of education.
5. Review the financial aid award letters received from the colleges you have applied to, comparing the total costs, scholarships, grants, and loans offered.
6. Calculate the net cost of attendance for each college, taking into account tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses.
7. Create a detailed budget for each year of college, outlining expected expenses and income sources.
8. Make a decision based on the financial affordability and transparency of each college, considering factors such as the total cost, financial aid package, and potential loan burdens.
9. Keep track of all financial aid and loan documents, understanding the terms and conditions of each award or loan received.
10. Continuously monitor and reassess your financial situation throughout college, making adjustments as necessary to ensure affordability and transparency.

Who needs college affordability and transparency?

1. High school students planning to attend college and their families.
2. Current college students looking for additional financial assistance.
3. Individuals considering returning to college to further their education.
4. Parents and guardians interested in understanding the costs and funding options for their children's education.
5. Counselors, college advisors, and educators assisting students with the college application and financial aid process.
6. Policy-makers and researchers analyzing the affordability and transparency of higher education.

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What is college affordability and transparency?

College affordability and transparency refers to initiatives aimed at providing clear information about the costs of college education and ensuring that students and their families can make informed financial choices regarding higher education.

Who is required to file college affordability and transparency?

Institutions of higher education that participate in federal student aid programs are required to file college affordability and transparency reports.

How to fill out college affordability and transparency?

Institutions must collect specific data regarding tuition and fees, student demographics, and financial aid statistics, and submit this information through the designated federal platform according to regulatory guidelines.

What is the purpose of college affordability and transparency?

The purpose is to enhance transparency regarding the costs of college, helping students and parents understand financial commitments and to foster competition among colleges to provide better value.

What information must be reported on college affordability and transparency?

Institutions must report information such as tuition and fee amounts, the percentage of students receiving financial aid, average debt levels of graduates, and graduation rates.