Lynell Engelmyer

Lynell Engelmyer is a nationally-recognized expert in college planning, admissions and financial aid. She has more than 20 years of experience, working as an admissions officer, financial aid director and also for the College Board. She has been published and quoted in hundreds of books and articles and serves as a professional college counselor for students from around the country.
how much is college
financial aid

Guide to College Financial Aid

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
The financial aid equation You can run but you cannot hide. It’s time to face the finances. Before you get into the details of how and when to apply, it’s important to have some basic understanding of how the system works. I promise that it’s not as gruesome as you fear. In fact, the underlying principle …
Three students sitting at a table, with a laptop and notebooks on the table.
college search

How to Choose a College: A Complete Guide

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Choosing a college is part science: making sure they have the academic major or extracurricular activities of your choice in the location you like and with the opportunities you seek. But, choosing the “right” school for you is also very much an art. I often see students who search the Internet and find a place …
College Tuition List
financial aid

Paying for College: Grants, Scholarships and Loans

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Paying for college You need to understand the difference between sticker and net price before understanding how paying for college works. The amount left after you factor in merit and talent scholarships for the college, need-based aid from the college, and any federal grants for which the student may qualify is your net price. It …
Graphic shows that a college's net price is calculated by subtracting gift aid - scholarships and grants - from the total stick price. College costs add up.
affordability & college cost

College Costs: Net Price vs. Sticker Price

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Someone once accurately explained college pricing and financial aid with this anecdote: You live in the Northeast quadrant of the United States. The temperature outside could be displayed on one hand on any given day in January. Your little brother just dumped a quart of yellow paint on your winter coat—meaning you need to buy …
college cost per year
affordability & college cost

College Costs: The 4 Parts of College Costs

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
How much does college cost? This seems like it should be a reasonably simple question with a straight forward answer. However, that is not nearly the case. In fact, there are at least 4 answers to this question about college costs. Understanding them is important in being a good consumer. 1. Tuition and Fees The …
how much is a college education
financial aid

Applying for Financial Aid: Completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve no doubt heard horror stories about how difficult the process of applying for financial aid can be, especially with FAFSA and CSS. Applying for college financial aid certainly won’t be the most fun you’ve ever had. However, the process can be much more manageable by breaking it down into finite steps. EVERY college will …