Guide 3 of 5 · Comparing · 5 min
Comparing two offers side by side without getting lost
Two offers never use the same layout. One page that uses the same rows for both fixes that.
1The rows
| Row | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| Billed costs for the year | ||
| Gifts (not repaid) | ||
| Earned (work-study) | ||
| Borrowed (repaid) | ||
| Still to cover |
2Fill in from each letter
Copy numbers exactly as written. If a line does not fit a row, add a note rather than guessing. If a letter does not say whether something is repaid, that is a question for the school.
3Compare what you would repay
The offer with the bigger total is not always the better one. Look at the borrowed row and the still-to-cover row first, then at the conditions attached to the gifts.
4Look beyond the numbers
Costs, support, programs and fit all matter and are yours to judge. A comparison sheet only keeps the money side clear.
General information only. Scholento is not a school, lender, scholarship provider, or financial aid office, and this is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Programs, rules, and dates vary and change; check with your school’s financial aid office or the official program website. Updated October 30, 2026.