Financial Aid Planning Guide for High School Students

Plan ahead: how juniors can prepare to pay for college

Whether you're just starting to explore colleges or already building your list, understanding how to pay for college can make the journey feel less overwhelming. Where to start? Our net price calculator can give you a preview, right now, of what your costs and aid package could be to attend Cornell.

Try the Net Price Calculator

FAQs for juniors & families

What are other students and their parents asking us about financial aid for college? Several things. Here are some common questions and answers. If your question isn’t answered, we’d love to hear from you and try to help.

Types of aid you might qualify for...no confusing jargon

scholarship icon - grad cap and dollar signScholarships

Money awarded based on academic achievement, talents, or other criteria that does not need to be repaid.

Image of a food service workerWork-study

A federal program that allows students to earn money through part-time campus jobs to help pay for college expenses.

loan icon- Image of paperwork and dollar signLoans

Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest after graduation or leaving school.

Merit aid Icon - image of an award ribbonMerit Aid

Scholarships from Cornell are awarded based on academic performance, leadership, or other achievements, regardless of financial need.

Every Cornell College student is awarded a merit aid scholarship when they apply and are admitted to Cornell. No extra paperwork, interviews, or process required.

Explore Scholarships

Now that you're informed, what can you do to prepare for college?

Taking action now means less stress next year as it gets closer to college decision time. Keep asking questions and finding resources for peace of mind.

  • Research colleges with strong, transparent aid programs…like Cornell.
  • Talk to your school counselor about aid options in your community.
  • Start building a scholarship list—local and national scholarships you might apply for.
  • Learn about how the FAFSA works and when to apply next year.
  • Attend financial aid webinars or info sessions.
  • Visit Cornell and bring your questions to our financial aid team.

What Cornell families have told us

  • “We didn’t think we could afford Cornell—until we saw the aid package.”
  • “The financial aid team walked us through everything.”
  • “The financial aid team explained everything thoroughly and made the process easy.”
  • “I can’t thank the financial aid team enough for being so generous with their time and going through everything with me in so much detail.”

Connect with us

Can we help answer a question? Call us during office hours, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central time, Monday-Friday at 319.895.4216 or email financialassistance@cornellcollege.edu any time and we’ll get back to you.