b'46Graduating On Time The average time to obtain a college degree is longerLincoln Universitythan four years. While it is true that the least expensive way to get a degree is to finish in four years or less, there is some funding available during a fifth or sixth year ofYour Financial Aid Packagecollege. Pell Grants can be used for up to 12 semesters; institutional financial aid varies, but will often be grantedUnderstand Your Financial Aid Package for a fifth year if needed. Meet Yoona Hwang, a hypothetical student who willbe attending Heights University, a fictitious state-relateduniversity in Pennsylvania.The College Scholarship The total cost for Yoonas first year at Heights University Service (CSS) Profile is $42,000, calculated as follows:Tuition and Fees:$22,000About 400 colleges and scholarship programs Room and Board:$12,000require applicants to fill out the CSS Profile Books and Supplies:$3,000in addition to the FAFSA. Personal Expenses:$5,000To determine if your school requires the CSSProfile, to access a copy of the profile, and for tipsTOTAL COST OF ATTENDANCE:$42,000on filing, visit cssprofile.collegeboard.org . Yoona filed her FAFSA in December 2025, andOnce submitted, the College Board will send yourshe received notice of her financial aid package from profile to the schools and scholarship programs Heights University in March 2026.you list.The cost for sending your report to one school orReview Yoonas financial aid award letter and theprogram is $25. Additional reports cost $16 each.accompanying notes on p. 47 to become familiarFee waivers are available if you meet income with how the components of a financial aid packageeligibility requirements. The College Board will fit together.notify you if you qualify for a fee waiver afteryou complete the application. Compare Your Financial Aid Packages From each college to which you are accepted, youGettysburg College will receive a financial aid award letter similar tothe letter Yoona received from Heights University.Your financial aid award letter can be accessed onyour college portal and may also arrive in the mail. Each financial aid package you are offered will be unique and will likely include a combination of grants, loans, Federal Work-Study, and scholarships. Usethe College Cost Calculator on p. 48 to compare the costs of attending the schools to which you wereaccepted and the financial aid offered by eachschool. By making this comparison you will identifythe school that is the best financial fit for you.'