Paying for College: Where Do I Start?
Understanding the Process
The cost of college can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have every answer right away. Think of financial aid as a combination of four core parts:
Grants: Need-based money you don’t repay
Scholarships: Merit-based money you don’t repay
Work-Study: Money earned through a campus job
Loans: Money you borrow and repay over time
Once you understand these four pieces, the process becomes much easier to navigate.
The sticker price is not the real price.
A college that costs $60,000 may end up costing less than one priced at $30,000 after financial aid is applied. Don’t make decisions based on the initial number.
More Than a Price Tag
College isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in who you become and what you’re able to do. When you look beyond the price, the value shows up in the opportunities, experiences, and outcomes that shape your future.
Turning Ideas Into Impact
John Whelan turned his college experience into real value—developing a patented medical device while still a student. With support from Catholic University’s Venture Lab, his education became more than a cost; it became an investment with real-world impact.
Where the Real Value Shows Up
For many families, the value of college becomes clear over time. It’s seen in how students grow—gaining confidence, direction, and a clearer sense of purpose.