For many families, shopping for the right college can look like shopping for a new car. Too many get caught up in the style and luxury and overpay, pushing them into excessive debt.

At SimpliCollege, we stress the importance of finding a college with the best social, academic, and financial fit for your lifestyle. The first step is becoming aware of the common challenges families tend to face. To help you lower the cost of college, we've gathered our top five costly college mistakes you can avoid.

1. Not negotiating the best financial aid offer. 

Did you know that you can negotiate with colleges to get a better price? Negotiating is a proven tactic with many private colleges, though it is more challenging to deal with state colleges. The key is getting leverage. Having multiple offers from competing colleges gives you the best opportunity for success. 

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2. Failing to exhaust...

For many students, the financial aid package, or scholarship money you receive from a college, can make or break the decision to attend that particular school. But before you rule out a college because of their financial aid package, have you considered asking for more money? 

With the cost of college rising exponentially each year, more families find it harder to afford higher education. Colleges have plenty of open seats to fill, creating an opportunity for you to appeal and possibly get more aid.

Does it Work?

Many people are skeptical or scared to appeal and negotiate with colleges, but it's a proven tactic that can unlock those hidden funds that colleges keep stored away. Many parents fear that asking for more money will jeopardize their child's chance to attend that particular college. Remember, you are the customer. Colleges are businesses that need to enroll students.

More students are beginning to discover this tactic, finding that many colleges can offer more aid. In...