Pricey College or Cheapest Option? Parents Weigh In
November 9, 2026
A parent in our Paying for College 101 Facebook group recently asked the community a blunt question: why are families…
Articles by Debbie
Purdue University Merit Scholarships
August 31, 2026
Finding individual college merit scholarship information can take a lot of time. Instead, we’ve gathered the statistics you need to…
How Our Student Got Two Full-Ride Offers for Biomedical Engineering — And What We Learned Along the Way
August 10, 2026
The Bottom Line Up Front We have a high SAI (around $88K), so $0 from need-based aid — everything was…
Beyond Grades: What Actually Helped Students Win More Merit Aid and Scholarships
June 30, 2026
We asked parents in our Paying for College 101 Facebook group what factors — beyond grades — made the biggest…
The New Ivies in 2026: Academics, Admissions and Affordability
June 12, 2026
If you’re considering colleges, the “New Ivies” present strong options. Use this guide to explore and compare them by academics,…
From Broadway to the Operating Room: What Arts Majors Do After College
June 1, 2026
If your student is passionate about theater, music, or art, you’ve probably asked yourself — or them — the question…
A Parent’s Year-by-Year Guide to College Planning (Middle School to Senior Year)
April 30, 2026
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. My third—and…
How to Find a College Where Your Student Will Thrive
April 13, 2026
One of the biggest misconceptions in the college search is that there’s a single “best” type of college. But talk…