Financial Aid

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!

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.

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!

As you embark on the college financing journey, one term you might come across is “overpayment refund.” Let’s dive into what that means, why you might get one, and what you can do with it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The average borrower takes around 20 years to pay off student loan debt. So when you commit to a private lender, you’re entering a relationship that can span decades. Consider these seven factors to help you find the best private student loan to fit your needs.

Each year, billions of dollars in federal financial aid are left unclaimed by American families who don’t fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Don’t miss out on valuable financial aid dollars just because you’re not sure where to start. Regardless of your income level, completing the FAFSA® is one of the best things you can do to help your child with the college application process. Here’s how to do it as a parent.

To avoid too much student loan debt, it’s important to shop around for loans with lower interest rates. Federal student loans offer fixed interest rates, which are the same for every borrower for the life of the loan. Private student loan interest rates, on the other hand, are based on the borrower’s credit score. Whether you’re a cosigner, a parent, or a student looking for a private student loan, these 13 tips will help.

For many college students, there’s a gap between how much a degree costs and what they can afford. Once you’ve maxed out your other financial aid, you may need to explore different types of student loans. The lingo around loan applications, interest rates, credit scores, and repayment plans can be confusing –– but applying for a student loan is easier than you think.