Skip to main content

How to Read a Financial Aid Award

Subscribe to College Coach YouTube Channel
Shannon Vasconcelos

Written by Shannon Vasconceloson March 28th, 2025

I came to College Coach with close to 10 years of experience in college financial aid offices. I began my career at Boston University, where I counseled students and their parents on the financial aid process and reviewed undergraduate financial aid applications. At Tufts University, where I served as assistant director of financial aid, I developed expertise in the field of health professions financial aid. I was responsible for financial aid application review, grant awarding and loan processing, and college financing and debt management counseling for both pre- and post-doctoral dental students. I have also served as an active member of the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrator’s Early Awareness and Outreach Committee, coordinating early college awareness activities for middle school students; as a trainer for the Department of Education’s National Training for Counselors and Mentors, educating high school guidance counselors on the financial aid process; and as a volunteer for FAFSA Day Massachusetts, aiding students and parents with the completion of online financial aid applications.
Learn More About Shannon
Confused about the financial aid award you received? With the lack of consistency among institutions, it can be difficult for families to figure out the true cost of college. This short video demonstrates how you can quickly identify the aid you received, any funds you will need to repay, and how to address a shortfall. For more information on Bright Horizons College Coach, visit our youtube page.

Meet our team of college finance experts, former financial aid officers who know the ins and outs of college financing.

Interested?

Interested in learning more about how our college admissions counseling services can help your student succeed?

Call 877-402-6224 or complete the form for information on getting your student started with one of our experts.

Inclusion Matters Here Pride Flag