Applying and being admitted are just the first steps students must take when preparing to attend college. Knowing what is included in the cost of college — beyond tuition — and how to pay for it, comes next.

To help students and their parents learn more about the true cost of college and how to pay for it, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation will host its 2012 Kalamazoo Area Financial Aid Night, a financial aid seminar, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23 at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency, 1819 E. Milham Rd.

Presented by representatives of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Scholarship staff and the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, the seminar will inform participants about the things they should consider when determining the cost of higher education, how to determine the types of financial aid that may be available to help cover these costs, and how to apply for financial aid. The seminar also will provide helpful information about locating and applying for scholarship assistance.

The 2012 Kalamazoo Area Financial Aid Night will take place in KRESA’s Wile Auditorium, and is especially for families whose school systems do not present a financial aid seminar and for families that were unable to attend their local school's financial aid seminar.

For more information, contact the Kalamazoo Community Foundation at 269.381.4416 or scholarships@kalfound.org.