College Planning

For many families, the cost of college plays an important role in the college search. Having an open conversation about what is financially realistic early in the process can help students build a balanced college list and avoid difficult decisions later. We encourage families to discuss their budget, set clear expectations and consider affordability alongside academic and personal fit.

There are several financial assistance methods to help pay for college. Explore each option below.

Need-Based Aid

Need-based aid is awarded based on a family's financial situation and ability to pay. By completing the FAFSA and, in some cases, the CSS Profile or other institutional financial aid forms, colleges determine a family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The difference between the EFC and the total cost of attendance is the family's financial need.

Colleges may meet that need through grants, scholarships, loans and work-study opportunities. While some colleges meet 100% of a family's demonstrated financial need, many do not. If a college does not meet your full financial need, the remaining amount is known as a "gap."

Families can estimate their EFC using the federal government's EFC Estimator or the net price calculator available on most college websites. Understanding your EFC can help you build a college list that fits your financial situation. Students who expect to qualify for need-based aid may find that some higher-priced private colleges become more affordable through generous financial aid. Families who do not expect to qualify for need-based aid may want to focus on colleges with lower costs or strong merit scholarship opportunities.

College-Based Merit Aid

Merit-based aid is awarded based on a student's talents, such as academic, athletic or artistic achievements. While some awards consider both merit and financial need, most are based solely on a student's accomplishments.

For many students, merit aid comes in the form of academic scholarships based on factors such as GPA and, when considered, standardized test scores. At many colleges, students are automatically considered for these scholarships when they apply for admission. Some institutions, however, require a separate scholarship application, essay or interview for additional awards.

Some colleges clearly outline their merit scholarship criteria and provide scholarship calculators or charts, while others do not. In those cases, the college's net price calculator can help estimate potential merit aid.

The likelihood and amount of a merit scholarship often depend on how competitive your application is compared with the college's applicant pool. Students are generally more likely to receive merit aid from colleges where they are among the stronger applicants than from highly selective institutions.

Merit-based awards for athletics, the arts and other talents vary by college. Speak with your counselor or Postsecondary Counselor to learn more about opportunities that may fit your interests and strengths.

Scholarships from outside organizations

Local Scholarships

Students can find local scholarship opportunities through their MaiaLearning account by selecting the "Scholarships" tab and then "Local Scholarships." The list is updated regularly, so be sure to check back throughout the year.

Other Scholarships

National scholarship search websites, such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com and College Greenlight, can help you find scholarships that match your interests, achievements and background. You should also explore scholarship opportunities offered directly by the colleges to which you apply by visiting their financial aid websites or contacting their financial aid offices.

In addition, you or your parents' employers may offer scholarships for employees or their dependents. Be sure to ask about any opportunities.

Scholarships for Undocumented/DACA Students

Many scholarship opportunities are open to undocumented and DACA students. In addition, review the scholarships and resources available specifically for undocumented and DACA students, which are updated as new opportunities arise.

Alternative Options

Tuition Reciprocity

Some public colleges and universities in neighboring states offer reduced tuition rates to Illinois students. In some cases, attending an out-of-state school may cost less than attending an Illinois public university. Check each college's website to see whether it offers tuition reciprocity or other reduced-tuition programs.

Establishing Residency

Some colleges allow students to establish in-state residency after meeting certain requirements, which can lower tuition costs in future years. Residency policies vary by state and institution, so review each college's requirements carefully.

Shortening Your Time in College

Earning college credit through AP courses or other dual-credit opportunities can reduce the number of credits required to graduate, potentially saving both time and money. Some international universities also offer three-year bachelor's degree programs in certain fields of study.

Starting at a Community College

Beginning at a community college can significantly reduce the cost of earning a degree. Students can complete many general education requirements before transferring to a four-year college or university.

International Options

Each year, many HPHS students attend colleges and universities around the world. From Canada to the United Kingdom, Scotland to Italy and beyond, international institutions offer a wide range of academic opportunities.

In addition to providing a global educational experience, many international universities offer lower tuition costs, shorter degree programs and opportunities to study in other countries, including the United States.

Read the NACAC guide to international university admissions for more about studying abroad.

Gap Year

A gap year can be a valuable option for students who want to take time between high school and college. Some students use a gap year to explore career or academic interests, gain work or volunteer experience, travel or develop greater independence before beginning college. Others choose a gap year to recharge before continuing their education.

If you are considering a gap year, explore the resources below to learn about your options and how a gap year may affect the college admissions process. You are also encouraged to discuss your plans with your Postsecondary Counselor.

• Gap Year Association
• Gap Year Fairs

Applying

• Coalition Application
• Common Application
• FairTest
• Universal Application

College Search

• College Navigator (English)
• College Navigator (Spanish)
• Peterson's

Miscellaneous

• Summer Programs
• Graduation rates
• Hillel (Jewish life on campus)
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• Recuros educativos para hispanoparlantes

Colleges Visiting HPHS

Each year, approximately 250 colleges and universities visit HPHS to meet with students. These visits are a great opportunity to learn about a college, ask questions and connect with an admissions representative.

Juniors and seniors can view the schedule and register through MaiaLearning under the Events tab. If a visit occurs during class, be sure to obtain permission from your teacher before attending.

Visiting College Campuses

Campus visits are one of the best ways to determine whether a college is the right fit. Early in your search, visit a variety of campuses to learn what you like in terms of size, location and campus environment.

As you narrow your college list, focus on the schools that interest you most. If you plan to apply early decision, you should visit that college before applying. We also recommend visiting at least one likely or safety school to ensure it is a place where you would be happy to enroll.

Register for campus tours and information sessions through each college's admissions website. If you can't visit in person, many colleges also offer virtual tours.

For additional tips on planning a campus visit, including questions to ask, review this CollegeXpress article.

College Representatives

For Students

College representatives visit HPHS throughout the fall. Register through MaiaLearning under the Events tab beginning in mid-August.

For College Representatives

Information about scheduling a visit to HPHS will be available in early August.

Senior Self-Assessment Form

Student Letter of Recommendation Request

Parent/Guardian Letter of Recommendation Request