Why Early Decision Can Feel Like a Gamble for Families Watching College Costs Summer is an important time for rising high school seniors as they prepare for the college application process. Students spend months researching colleges, visiting campuses, and building their college list. One of the most important decisions they will make is how to apply. Many
What Does That Actually Mean? As college costs continue to rise, many families assume that private colleges with high sticker prices are simply out of reach. But for families who qualify for need-based financial aid, that isn’t always true. In fact, some colleges that commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need may ultimately cost less than your in-state
A practical guide to building a smart college list, understanding financial aid, and staying organized before senior year High school juniors are wrapping up one of the most important years of their academic journey and heading into their final summer before senior year. This summer is a critical time to begin preparing for college applications,
A common question from families—and what you need to know before making the move Throughout my years of working with families, one question comes up often: Will financial aid change if my student moves off campus? While many colleges require students to live on campus during their first year, it’s very common for students to
Why winning outside scholarships doesn’t always lower your college costs Applying for outside or private scholarships has become a standard part of the college process, right alongside completing the Common Application, FAFSA, and standardized testing. Families invest significant time and energy into finding these opportunities, hoping to reduce the cost of college. And understandably so,
A clear guide for families comparing federal Parent PLUS loans and private student loans to cover the cost of college As high school seniors finalize their college decisions, many parents are left asking the same question: How are we going to pay for this? After grants, scholarships, and Federal Direct Student Loans are applied, there
If you’ve received your student’s financial aid award letter, you likely saw Federal Direct Loans listed as part of the package. These loans are commonly included in financial aid offers and are designed to help families bridge the gap between scholarships, grants, and the remaining cost of college. As a college financial aid advisor for
A Guide for Families For many families, student loans are part of the college funding equation. With the rising cost of tuition, even students receiving substantial financial aid often need to borrow to cover the gap. Loans help cover the gap between what a college offers in grants and scholarships and the full cost of attendance. With the
Sometimes a family’s financial situation changes after they submit the FAFSA or CSS Profile, and the income reported on those forms no longer reflects their current reality. When this happens, colleges may be able to adjust the financial aid calculation through a process called Professional Judgment. This process allows financial aid offices to review special circumstances and
What Families Need to Know About This Financial Aid Program As financial aid award letters begin arriving, you may notice an item called Federal Work-Study (FWS) listed on your student’s financial aid package. This need-based federal program can offer great opportunities for students. I’m a big supporter of the work-study program, but I’m not a
