This feature is only available to Overgrad Pro customers. Please connect with an Overgrad rep if you are interested in learning more.


1. Access the Financial Aid Section






2. Financial Aid Settings

These settings help customize your financial aid analysis:

  • Student Aid Index (SAI): Found on your FAFSA Submission Summary. Leave blank if you didn’t complete FAFSA.
  • Maximum Family Contribution (MAX): Enter the most your family can afford per year (if different from SAI).
  • SAI or MAX?: Choose which number to use for comparisons.
  • Include Indirect Costs?: Adds estimated costs like books and transportation.
  • Include Parent PLUS Loan?: Colleges may include this in aid letters, but it’s a loan your parents must repay. Toggle on/off as needed.
  • Include Work-Study?: Work-Study isn’t guaranteed—toggle off if you don’t want to count it.



3. Entering Your Financial Aid Award Letters

  • Only Accepted colleges will show in the table.
  • Click the three dots at the end of the row for each college name to enter aid details.
  • Double-check with the college’s website.



4. Filling Out Your Aid Letter Info

You'll enter details from your award letter in these categories:


First Year Costs

  • Tuition & Fees – What the school charges for classes.
  • Housing & Meals – Estimated living costs.
  • Books & Supplies – Textbooks and materials.
  • Transportation – Travel expenses (flights, gas, etc.).
  • Other Costs – Miscellaneous personal expenses.


Grants and scholarship to pay for college (Free Money!)

  • Pell Grant – Federal grant for students with financial need.
  • University Grants & Scholarships – Listed in your aid letter.
  • SEOG Grant – Extra federal grant for students with high need.
  • State Grants – State-funded aid.
  • Scholarships (from Overgrad List) – Scholarships you’ve tracked in Overgrad.
  • Additional Scholarships – Any other scholarships you received.


Work Options

  • Work-Study – Enter the amount if you received a Work-Study offer.


Loan Options (Money You Have to Pay Back)

  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loan – Government covers interest while you’re in school.
  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Interest starts accruing immediately.


Other Funding

  • Military Benefits – Example: GI Bill.
  • Parent PLUS Loan – A loan your parents must repay.
  • Private Loans – Loans from banks or other lenders.


5. Save & Compare Your Aid Offers

  • Click Save after entering your aid details.
  • Repeat for all accepted colleges.


6. Understanding Your Aid Summary

  • Net Cost = Total cost of attendance minus grants & scholarships (what you actually have to pay each year).
  • Unmet Need (Gap) = The amount left after subtracting all aid, loans, and work options. If this is greater than $0, you’ll need a plan to cover it or risk being dropped from classes