A financial aid package is a combination of different forms of financial aid that together make up an offer of financial assistance.

A student's ability to contribute to the cost of his or her education is determined by the use of a NEED ANALYSIS which is a consistent, systematic way of measuring the ability of a family to pay for educational costs and its eligibility to receive funds from federal and state programs. It determines the ability, not the willingness, of a student or his or her family to finance his or her education. Everyone who applies is treated fairly and equally under this system. The amount of financial aid that a student receives may not exceed his or her cost of education as established by the college.