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Parent PLUS Loans vs. Private Student Loans: How to Choose the Best Option for College

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 […]

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How to Accept Federal Direct Loans – A Step-by-Step Guide

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

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What is Professional Judgment?

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

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Federal Work-Study Explained

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

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