Enrollment in all degree-granting postsecondary institutions is expected to increase 15 percent between fall 2014, the last year of actual data, and fall 2025. Increases in both public and private degree-granting postsecondary institutions is anticipated, with an estimated 23.3 million college students enrolled by 2025.1
Whether you’re starting or returning to college, it’s a good idea to set up a plan so you can feel confident about your responsibilities. Following is a yearly calendar of events to help keep you on track (exact dates may vary by school).
| Month | Activity |
| Sept. | Start considering school options. BALANCE Article: 5 Things You Need To Start Your FAFSA Application September 10: BALANCE Webinar – FAFSA: The Key To Unlocking Student Aid • 11:30 AM September 19: BALANCE Webinar – FAFSA: The Key To Unlocking Student Aid • 6:30 PM |
| Oct. | Schedule college campus visits. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply for second-semester student loans. Learn more at gosunward.org/StudentLoans. |
| Nov. | Review the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) to confirm accuracy. Prepare admissions applications or submit early decision applications. |
| Jan. | Submit school admissions applications. BALANCE Article: Four Tips That Will Kickstart Your College Savings Plan |
| Feb. | Look for scholarship opportunities both locally and at Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education. BALANCE Article: College Planning 101 |
| Mar. | Draft a college budget. BALANCE Podcast: Finances for College Students |
| Apr. | Review any award letters received and explore the grants, scholarships, and federal loans you have been offered. Sunward Scholarship Essay Competition opens. Visit gosunward.org/essay-contest for more information. |
| May | Make your final choice of school. Determine your total cost and any additional funding needed. |
| June | Update and adjust your college budget based on school selection. BALANCE Article for Family Discussion: Paying for College: Dealing with the Student Loan Crunch |
| July | Submit private student loan applications. Learn more at gosunward.org/StudentLoans. BALANCE Article: Choosing the Right Student Loan |
| Aug. | Finalize your college budget based on acquisition of scholarships, grants, and student loan(s). BALANCE Article: College Students, Which Credit Card is Right for You? |
1. Hussar, W.J., and Bailey, T.M. (2017). Projections of Education Statistics to 2025 (NCES 2017-019). U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics.
