b'39In this section: The Cost of Attending College, pp. 39-40Myths and Realities of Financial Aid, p. 41 PAYING FOR COLLEGETypes of Financial Aid, pp. 42-43The FAFSA, pp. 44-45Your Financial Aid Package, pp. 46-47Tips to Close Your Financial Aid Gap, p. 49Find Scholarships, p. 50Activities: College Cost Calculator, p. 48Pennsylvania College of TechnologyPAYING FOR COLLEGEA critical part of finding your fit is selecting a college you can afford. This section identifies the direct and indirect costs of attending college, the financial aid available to offset those costs, and how to access that aid.THE COST OF ATTENDING COLLEGE The Indirect Costs of College Most students and their families know about the costIn addition to the direct costs of attending college, of tuition, room, and board, but many do not realizethere are additional indirect costs that will not there are additional costs associated with going toappear on your bill, but must be considered when college. When assessing your college fit, you mustcalculating your total cost of attendance. Indirectconsider all of these costs. costs may include:The Direct Costs of College Textbooks and school suppliesThe direct costs of college include the cost of tuition Transportation to and from collegeand fees (what you will pay to take classes), plus room Computer and accessoriesand board (campus housing and meal plan). Fees vary Personal expenses including clothing, toiletries, by college but can range from student activity feeslaundry, phone, internet, entertainment, etc.and athletic fees, to technology fees and lab fees. The Dorm necessities such as bedding, towels, fan,direct costs of attending college will appear on yourdesk lamp, etc.bill. The chart on p. 40 shows the estimated direct Meals and parking for commuters.costs for a sampling of schools in Pennsylvania. Beware of Sticker Shock: Do not be discouraged when researching andcomparing tuition rates. Remember that financial aid packages can dramatically reduce some of the more expensive schools. For example, for qualified applicants, financial aidcan make some private universities more affordable than some public universities.'