The Perfect Time to Submit a Financial Aid Appeal Letter

If you’re applying for financial aid for college, we get it: navigating the financial aid maze can be tricky. For example: maybe you read our 10-Step Guide to a Financial Aid Appeal, and know that you can appeal the financial aid package that a college offers you – but what about when is best to do it? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Let’s talk about the ideal time to submit that crucial financial aid appeal letter to maximize your chances of getting the help you need.

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Breaking Down the Myth: Are State Universities Really Cheaper Than Private Colleges?

When it comes to choosing a college, the idea that State universities are always the cheaper option is a common belief. After all, the sticker price at a State university often seems far more affordable than that of a private college. However, this notion is more complicated than it first appears. Let’s explore why the cost difference isn’t as clear-cut as you might think and how financial aid plays a crucial role in determining your final college bill.

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Tips for Filling Out the FAFSA® as a First-Generation College Student

If you’re a first-generation student, congratulations on taking this exciting step toward higher education! But let’s be real—figuring out how to pay for college can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to filling out the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you’re unfamiliar with terms like “Student Aid Index” or “FAFSA® Submission Summary,” don’t worry—you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about filling out the FAFSA® as a first-generation college student.

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What to Expect from the 2025/2026 FAFSA®: Information & Tips for Students and Parents

If you’re gearing up to tackle the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2025/2026 academic year, we’ve got some important updates for you. We know that navigating the world of financial aid can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to break things down in a super simple way so you’ll be prepared when the time comes to apply.

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Public Service Loan Forgiveness: What It Is and How It Works

If you’re dreaming about working in government or a nonprofit and worried about student loans, you’re in the right place. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a program that can wipe away your federal student loan balance after 10 years of qualifying payments. This can be a great trade-off if you’re worried that your potential earnings in these sectors might be low compared to the cost of the degree you need to work there. Sounds awesome, right? It can be!

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Essential Guide to Financing Your College Education

We know the journey to paying for college can feel like a wild rollercoaster with unexpected twists and turns. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This guide is your go-to resource for understanding how to finance your college education. Let’s dive in and make this process as smooth as possible.

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What Can I Use My Financial Aid For?

Navigating the world of financial aid can feel like trying to decipher an ancient language. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down what you can actually use that financial aid for, so you can focus on what’s important: rocking your college experience!

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Why You Might Want To Consider Tuition Insurance

So, what exactly is tuition insurance? Think of it as a safety net for your college investment. Just like you might have insurance for your car or home, tuition insurance protects your financial investment in education. If something unexpected happens—like a serious illness, injury, or even a mental health crisis—and you need to withdraw from school, tuition insurance can reimburse you for the lost tuition fees. Read on to learn more, and see if it might be right for you.

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How Outside Scholarships Can Affect Your Financial Aid Package

Applying to scholarships can be an incredible way to help fill the gaps in your college budget – but did you know that colleges will sometimes consider those outside funds when awarding you financial aid? That’s not to say that you shouldn’t apply to scholarships in the hope of getting more financial aid – in fact, it’s an important step in the paying-for-college process. It sounds a bit complicated, but don’t worry – by the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how it all works, and how it might affect your own financial situation.

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Federal Direct Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans: What Every College Student Should Know

Navigating the world of financial aid can feel like a daunting task, but don’t worry – we’re here to help break it down for you. We’ll review the differences between Federal Direct Subsidized Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, the eligibility requirements, and break down how much you might expect to be able to borrow.

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Understanding the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

One lesser-known gem in the world of student aid is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or FSEOG for short. The FSEOG is a type of grant provided by the federal government to help students with exceptional financial need. The best part? Just like scholarships, grants are free money! You don’t have to pay them back. This is why they’re so awesome and sought after by students. Learn more here.

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Different Types of Need-Based Financial Aid, Explained

Hey high schoolers! Getting ready to dive into the world of college financial aid? Building your list of potential colleges isn’t just about numbers – it’s about knowing the lingo, too. From different types of loans to understanding need-based and merit-based aid, the college financial aid system has its own language.
To make things easier, here’s some handy information to help you decode the terms related to financial aid policies and need-based aid.

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Understanding The Federal Pell Grant: A Key Resource For College Students

The Federal Pell Grant is a significant financial aid program aimed at helping students afford the rising costs of higher education in the United States. Administered by the US Department of Education, the Pell Grant does not require repayment, making it an invaluable resource for students from low- and middle-income families. Here’s a detailed look at who is eligible for the Pell Grant, how much can be awarded, and how these funds can be utilized.

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FAFSA SAI vs EFC: Key Differences You Should Know

Thanks to a few new changes made to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it’s easier than ever to apply to free federal financial aid. One of the biggest updates involves the formula used to calculate students’ financial need, the Student Aid Index (SAI). But, what’s the difference between the FAFSA SAI vs EFC? And how will the change affect you? Here’s what you need to know.

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A Guide to Filing The FAFSA® With Undocumented Parents

Students with parents who do not have a SSN (Social Security Number) are in a state of limbo with the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Impacted students are wondering how colleges will provide them with financial aid packages, and how they will access key financial aid, like the Federal Pell Grant, work study, scholarships, and federal student loans. We’ll go through it all here.

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How the 2024 FAFSA is Impacting Financial Aid Appeals

Appealing your college’s financial aid offer is a smart move. However, it’s essential to approach appeals thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming college financial aid offices. All students should consider submitting a single, well-documented, and well-reasoned appeal. Here’s how.

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Common Problems with the New FAFSA and How to Solve Them

The FAFSA® Simplification Act passed by congress required the US Department of Education to overhaul the FAFSA® form on or before December 31, 2023. This pushed back the 2024-2025 FAFSA® opening date to December 31, 2023. When the new FAFSA® finally “soft launched” on Dec. 31, families reported many issues, glitches, and confusing errors. We’ll outline the changes and what that might mean for you.

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