This concise, easy-to-follow guide breaks the confusing college financial aid process down into simple steps to help you afford your education. The underlying message is simple: parents and students who understand how to apply for financial aid get more financial aid. Armed with the checklists, timelines, and info in this book, you'll grasp the basics of what colleges actually cost; the differences between grants, loans, work-study, and other forms of aid; and othewise find creative ways to lighten your debt load. -- adapted from back cover