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Office of Financial Aid
Financial aid is the term we use to describe a variety of funds available to help students and their families finance the cost of a Berry College education. Although important, it should be noted that financial aid is only one of several variables that you and your family need to consider in your personal selection of a college. At Berry, we believe that you and your family share the primary responsibility to pay for the cost of your education to the extent that you are able. The amount of financial aid for which you will qualify depends on aid eligibility, academic achievement, talent and total college cost.
When deciding about where to apply for admission, remember that choosing a less expensive college or university can wind up costing more in the long run. Why? Because the real cost of a college education is directly related to the time required to complete it. Consider this: More than half of Berry College students graduate in four years, but at many larger public schools, five or more years is the norm.
The one thing that all students receiving need-based financial aid at Berry College have in common is the fact that they applied for it. If you apply for financial aid consideration and you qualify, your aid package will be calculated on the basis of financial aid eligibility or the difference between Berry College’s charges for room, board, tuition, and fees, and the amount you and your family can contribute. Your family contribution is based on:
Family size
Parental income and assets
Student income and assets
Number of children in college
Family contribution is determined using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is usually available at your high school guidance office or college financial aid office at the end of November. The earliest date you and your family may submit a completed FAFSA form is Jan. 1 prior to your anticipated date of enrollment.
When the Berry College financial aid office receives the results of your FAFSA, financial aid personnel will create an individual financial aid package for you using federal, state, and Berry College funds. A typical need-based package is made up of grants, work-study earnings, and low interest loans.