Parents & Families

Their future starts here. You don’t do it alone.

Whether your student is the first in your family to go to college or the fifth, we’ll walk with you through every step: applying, paying, moving in, and cheering them across the stage.

Where are you in the journey?

An Allen family with their student and little sister at the Homecoming game
Your Path

Just tell us where you are. We’ll show you what’s next.

Pick the stage that fits your family. Each one has four clear steps.

Exploring colleges together

  1. Visit campus togetherSee the Yard, meet faculty and staff, and ask your questions in person.Plan a visit →
  2. See what it really costsUse the Net Price Calculator to estimate your cost after grants and scholarships.Estimate cost →
  3. Explore majorsTake the one-minute Major Match quiz together.Explore majors →
  4. Apply onlineAllen is test optional. The application takes minutes to start.Start application →

First in your family to go to college? You’re not behind. Every family starts somewhere, and our staff answers these questions every day. Call (803) 376-5735.

Why It’s Worth It

A degree doesn’t just change one life. It changes a family tree.

If you’ve stretched a paycheck to make it to the next one, you already know what’s at stake. A college degree opens doors to steadier work, higher pay, and choices your student can pass on to the next generation.

  • ~66% moreWeekly earnings for bachelor’s degree holders compared with high school graduates.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • About halfThe unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders compared with high school graduates.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Every doorGraduate school, law school, medical school, and professional licenses all start with a bachelor’s degree.The next step is up to them
A mother and daughter at the daughter’s high school graduation, holding flowers

What Allen puts in your student’s hands

  • A laptopFor every full-time student.
  • E-textbooksIncluded, so there’s no textbook bill.
  • Small classesAbout 15 students on average.
  • Expert faculty75% hold the highest degree in their field.
  • One rateThe same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
1870

Allen was founded by people who knew education was the way forward for their families. More than 150 years later, that’s still why we’re here.

Earnings and unemployment comparisons: BLS, “Education pays”. Individual results vary.

Paying for College

Let’s talk money. Plainly.

Most families pay with a mix of free money, student loans, and sometimes a parent loan. Here’s the honest version, in the order we recommend.

Living on campus · 2026–2027$26,314Per year, with tuition, fees, room, and board, before aid.
Commuting · 2026–2027$16,672Per year, with tuition and fees, before aid.
Most families pay less

Grants and scholarships lower the price. See your estimate in a few minutes, before you decide anything.

Net Price Calculator →
  1. Free money firstFile the FAFSA (code 003417) for federal and state grants. Grants don’t have to be repaid.FAFSA tutorial →
  2. ScholarshipsAllen, UNCF, and outside scholarships can stack together.Find scholarships →
  3. Student loansFederal student loans are in your student’s name, with fixed rates and flexible repayment.How they work ↗
  4. A parent loan, if neededA Parent PLUS Loan can cover what’s left. Read the next box first.About Parent PLUS ↓
Parents preparing dinner together at home
Considering a Parent PLUS Loan?

An investment in their future. Know exactly what you’re signing.

Many families use a Parent PLUS Loan to close the gap. It’s a real commitment, so here’s what to know before you apply.

Parent PLUS at StudentAid.gov ↗Talk with Financial Aid
  • It’s in your name. The parent is the borrower and is responsible for repaying it, not the student.
  • There’s a credit check. It looks for adverse credit history, not your credit score.
  • If you’re denied, there’s still a path. Your student may qualify for additional federal student loans in their own name.
  • Borrow only what you need. Federal limits apply. Accept part of an offer, not the whole amount, if that’s all you need.
  • Ask before you sign. Allen’s Financial Aid team will walk you through every number, with no pressure.
College Words, Decoded

No question is too basic. Here’s what it all means.

College comes with its own vocabulary. Look up any word you hear, and you’ll be speaking the language in no time.

FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. File it every year to be considered for grants, work-study, and loans. Allen’s code is 003417.
Contributor
Anyone the FAFSA asks to give information, like a parent of a dependent student. Each contributor needs their own StudentAid.gov account.
Cost of attendance
The estimated total cost of one year: tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and other expenses.
Net price
What you pay after grants and scholarships are subtracted. Usually much less than the full cost.
Grant
Money for college you don’t pay back, usually based on financial need.
Scholarship
Money you don’t pay back, often based on talent, achievement, or background.
Work-study
A federal program that helps students earn money through a part-time job, often on campus.
Subsidized loan
A federal student loan where the government pays the interest while your student is in school at least half-time.
Unsubsidized loan
A federal student loan where interest starts adding up right away.
Parent PLUS Loan
A federal loan parents of dependent undergraduates can apply for. The parent is responsible for repaying it.
Bursar
The office that manages student bills, payments, and refunds.
Dependent student
A student who reports parent information on the FAFSA. Most students right out of high school are dependent.
Credit hour
The unit used to measure a course. Most classes are 3 credit hours.
Full-time
For undergraduates, 12 or more credit hours a semester. It affects financial aid.
Syllabus
The guide for each course: assignments, due dates, and grading.
Office hours
Set times when professors meet with students. Encourage your student to go.
Registrar
The office that keeps official records, enrollment, and transcripts.
SAP
Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students must keep up their grades and credits to keep financial aid.
FERPA
A federal law that gives college students control over who sees their education records.
The Year at a Glance

Know what’s coming. Plan ahead together.

Every year follows a similar rhythm. Use this to plan time off, travel, and budgets, then check the calendar for exact dates.

  1. Early August
    Move-in, registration & orientationNew students arrive, meet their advisors, and settle into The Hive.
  2. Mid-August
    Fall classes beginThe first week is drop/add. Encourage them to go to every class.
  3. Late November
    Thanksgiving breakResidence halls close. Plan travel home early.
  4. Early January
    Spring classes beginBills and aid for spring should be settled before classes start.
  5. March
    Spring BreakA week to rest and recharge.
  6. May
    CommencementThe day you’ve been working toward. Plan to be there.
Exact dates on the academic calendar →
Allen parents sitting outside on campus, waiting for their student

Getting ready for move-in

Move-in day tip: label boxes with your student’s name and hall, save the Campus Police number in both of your phones, and take a family photo on the Yard. You’ll want it on graduation day.

Who to Call

Something on your mind? We’ll point you to the right person.

Pick what’s going on, and we’ll show you exactly who to call. No phone tag, no guessing.

Call

Campus Police · 24/7

(803) 223-4544

If it’s an emergency, call 911 first. Campus Police can also do a wellness check.

Search the full directory →
An Allen student with their dad and older sister during the holidays
Good to know: FERPA

Your student controls their records.

Once a student is in college, federal law (FERPA) gives them control of their education records, even if you pay the bill. Allen can share grades or account details with you only with your student’s written consent.

Have a calm conversation about signing a release before the first semester starts.

FERPA & the Registrar →

Coach from the sidelines

  • Talk about the budgetAgree on who pays for what before the first bill arrives.
  • Let them make the callHelp them know which office to contact, then let them do it. It builds confidence.
  • Ask how they’re really doingNot just grades. Sleep, friends, and stress matter too.
  • Encourage office hoursStudents who talk with professors early do better.
  • Expect a hard week or twoHomesickness is normal. Listen first, and remind them help is on campus.
  • Celebrate every winA good grade, a new friend, a first game. Your encouragement matters.

In an emergency, call 911. For mental health support any time, call or text 988.

Family Toolkit

The things nobody tells you. We will.

Paperwork that changes at 18, how to talk about money, and the free, trusted tools families use most.

When your student turns 18

The paperwork changes. Plan for it together.

Once your student is a legal adult, schools, doctors, and banks may not be able to share information with you, even in an emergency, unless your student gives permission.

  • FERPA releaseLets Allen share education records, like grades or billing, with you.Ask the Registrar
  • HIPAA authorizationLets doctors and hospitals talk with you about your student’s health.A form your student signs
  • Power of attorneyLets you help with finances or decisions if your student can’t.Talk with an attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. Forms and rules vary by state, so talk with an attorney or your student’s doctor about what fits your family.

The money talk, before the first bill

  1. Agree on who pays for what: tuition, books, phone, food, and travel home.
  2. Set a weekly or monthly spending budget your student can stick to.
  3. Decide how emergencies will be handled, so nobody panics.
  4. Look at the aid offer together, and talk about what any loans will mean after graduation.
An Allen mom, dad, and little sister on campus

Come be part of it

The best part of being an Allen family is showing up. Bring the whole family to the moments that matter.

Outside tools are shared to help families and aren’t run by Allen University.

Questions Families Ask

Real questions. Straight answers.

Don’t see yours? Call us at 803-376-5700.

Is college really worth the cost?

For most people, yes. Bachelor’s degree holders earn more and are less likely to be unemployed than high school graduates. The key is choosing a school where your student is supported to finish, and borrowing only what you need.

What if we can’t afford it?

Start with the FAFSA and the Net Price Calculator. Many families pay far less than the listed price after grants and scholarships. Then call Financial Aid. We’ll go through every option with you.

Do I have to take out a loan?

No. Grants, scholarships, and student loans come first. A Parent PLUS Loan is optional, and you can borrow less than the amount offered.

What if our income changed this year?

Call Financial Aid. If your family’s situation has changed because of job loss, a medical bill, or something else, ask about a review of your aid.

Can I see my student’s grades?

Only with your student’s written consent, under a federal law called FERPA. Talk with them about signing a release.

Will my student be safe on campus?

Allen has its own Campus Police department on duty 24/7, and residence halls have set hours and sign-out procedures. Sign up for Rave Alerts to get emergency notifications.

My student is homesick. What should I do?

Listen, reassure them that it’s normal, and encourage them to get involved in one club or activity. Counseling Services is free and confidential if they need someone to talk to.

What paperwork should we sign when my student turns 18?

Many families talk about three things: a FERPA release for school records, a HIPAA authorization for health information, and a power of attorney. See the Family Toolkit on this page, and talk with an attorney about what fits your family.

How can I stay involved?

Follow Allen on Instagram, come to Homecoming and Commencement, and keep the conversation going. Your encouragement is one of the strongest predictors of their success.

You raised them for this moment. We’ll take it from here, together.

From the first visit to the last walk across the stage, Allen is here for your whole family.

An Allen mom waving to her student on the football field from the stands