Worried about paying for college? You’re not alone. College expenses continue to rise and the process of finding affordable colleges and applying for financial aid is complex. Families need clear answers about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) merit aid, scholarships, and how to get the most money for college.
In this comprehensive video, Elaine Varas, Senior University Director of Financial Aid, University of Pennsylvania. walks parents through the 2025 financial aid process step by step, sharing secrets, strategies, and insider tips that can save your family thousands of dollars.
FAFSA, CSS and Scholarship Tips: How to Maximize Financial and Merit Aid
Financial Aid and FAFSA Questions Answered in This Video
What is the FAFSA and how do you avoid common mistakes?
What is the CSS Profile and which colleges require it?
What’s the difference between need-based aid and merit aid?
How can families maximize scholarships and grants in 2025?
Should you apply for aid even if you think you won’t qualify?
What are the biggest financial aid mistakes parents make?
How does having multiple children in college affect aid eligibility?
What loans are available (subsidized vs unsubsidized) and what do they really mean?
What’s changing in the financial aid environment in 2025 that families must know?
What You’ll Learn to Help You With the FAFSA
How to navigate the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) without stress or scams.
The CSS Profile: why top private and Ivy League colleges require itHow to tell the difference between scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
Why Net Price Calculators can give you a realistic picture of college costs.
How financial aid policies differ between public universities, private colleges, and Ivies.
The truth about student loans: subsidized vs unsubsidized, interest rates, and repayment.
Why applying for financial aid, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, can still open doors.
How families with multiple students in college may qualify for more aid.
The pitfalls to avoid when planning for college costs.
Why This Matters for Parents and Students
The 2025 FAFSA changes could directly affect how much aid your student receives. Many families leave money on the table by skipping forms or assuming they won’t qualify. It is important to remember that the college your student chooses can impact how much institutional aid is available for your family. Fully understanding the difference between merit vs need-based aid can help your teen build a smarter college list.
About Elaine Varas
Elaine Varas is the Senior University Director of Financial Aid at the University of Pennsylvania, and a financial aid professional with decades of experience guiding families through FAFSA, CSS Profile, loans, and scholarships. You’ll hear insider advice that makes the complex process simpler—and could help you save money.
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