Ol' College Try Financial Aid Award Letters Explained: Grants, Scholarships, Loans & What You Really Owe
You got the acceptance letter—now what does the financial aid offer actually mean?
In this episode of Ol' College Try The Podcast, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down one of the most confusing parts of the college process: financial aid award letters. From grants and scholarships to loans and work-study, they explain how to read between the lines, spot misleading language, and understand what you’ll really pay—not just this year, but over all four years.
You’ll learn:
The difference between merit scholarships and need-based grants (and why it matters long-term)
How to tell when you’ve received your final financial aid offer
Why loans and work-study can make a college look cheaper than it actually is
Common red flags on award letters that families often miss
What underclassmen parents should be thinking about now to avoid surprises later
Whether your student is Class of 2026 and actively receiving offers—or you’re planning ahead with a younger student—this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions about college affordability.
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