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College List BuildingUC Berkeley Common Data Set
Sifting through a college’s Common Data Set can take a lot of time. Instead, we’ve gathered the most important information from UC Berkeley’s most recent Common Data Set to provide you with the information you need at a quick glance. This guide contains key information from UC Berkeley Common Data Set 2025-2026. Berkeley Common Data…
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ScholarshipsScholarships with October Deadlines
Chicago Culinary Museum and Chef’s Hall of Fame Scholarship Amount: $500 Apply by: October 1, 2026 Description: Open to students enrolled in an accredited culinary or hospitality management program with at least a 3.0 GPA. Sponsor: Chicago Culinary Museum Civil Rights and Criminal Law Essay and Scholarship Amount: $1,000 Apply by: October 1, 2026 Description:…
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AdviceDear Roadie: Is a $50K Parent PLUS Loan Ever Worth It?
Dear Roadie, Our daughter just got into her dream school — and it’s a big name. We’re thrilled for her, but the financial aid offer fell short. To make up the difference, we’d have to take out a Parent PLUS loan … to the tune of $50,000. My husband is 52, I’m 50, and we…
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SeasonHow the New Student Loan Law Changes Paying for College and Grad School
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Trump on July 4, includes major changes to federal student aid, college accountability, and higher education funding. If you’re a parent of a college-bound student, an undergraduate already in school, a graduate student, or a school administrator, here’s what you need to know—and how…
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FinanceCongress Overhauls Parent and Student Loans: What Families Need to Know
Families figuring out how to pay for college will soon face new federal loan rules. Congress has passed sweeping legislation that rewrites key parts of the federal student loan system. The bill, formally titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” cleared the Senate on July 1 and was approved by the House on July 3.…
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AdviceDear Roadie: Is College Still Worth It in 2025?
Dear Roadie, My son is a junior, and we’re starting to look at colleges — but he’s not convinced it’s worth it. He keeps bringing up a friend who went straight into trades and another who got tech certifications and is already working. He’s not even sure what he wants to major in yet. With…
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AdviceDear Roadie: How Do I Help My Teen Choose a Major (Without Pushing Too Much)?
Dear Roadie, My daughter is headed into senior year, and the “What do you want to major in?” question is coming at us from every direction — college fairs, relatives, and even the school counselor. The truth is, she has no idea. She’s a strong student, but she’s not one of those kids who’s had…
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AdviceDear Roadie: Are Campus Protests a Red Flag or a Learning Moment?
Dear Roadie, My daughter and I are starting to visit colleges, and we’ve noticed a lot of media coverage about campus protests and how universities have responded (or have not responded). Some parents in my circle are saying this is a red flag—something to avoid. Others say it’s just part of college life. I’m torn.…
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AdviceDear Roadie: Help! My Teen Wants to Major in AI
Dear Roadie, My teen wants to major in AI. I know it’s the future, but it’s hard to tell which programs are legit and which ones are just riding the hype. How do we find a school that actually prepares students for the real world? — Future-Proofing Parent Dear Future-Proofing Parent, Take a deep breath—you’re…
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AdviceDear Roadie: My College Niece’s Pregnancy Has Me Wondering, Should I Change The Way I Talk to My Own Kids?
Dear Roadie, We recently learned that my niece in college is pregnant. She found out when she went to the doctor for STD symptoms. She finally called my sister when she struggled to understand the pharmacist’s guidelines for taking antibiotics. I have two college-bound children myself, and this experience has me wondering how my son…
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Apply20 Best Colleges in Texas: Academics, Aid & Value
The best colleges in Texas offer a dynamic mix of top-tier academics, affordability, and strong career opportunities. In this guide, we’ve ranked Texas’ top 20 colleges, evaluating their strengths in academics, financial aid, student experience, and post-graduate success. Whether you’re looking for a prestigious research university, a top-value public school, or a smaller private college…
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College List BuildingTop U.S. Computer Science Schools by Academics, Aid, and Value
Choosing the right computer science school takes time, energy, and reflection on your goals. Most students want a program that’s strong in academics, provides financial support, and sets them up for a high-paying career in a fast-growing field. Let’s look at the top CS schools in the U.S. — and how you can find one…
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College Financial PlanningHow 2025 Student Aid Changes Could Reshape College Affordability
Big changes might be coming to the way students and parents pay for college. New proposals from lawmakers in Washington could affect student loans, Pell Grants, federal financial aid rules, and how colleges are held responsible for student success. These changes are not final yet—but if passed, they would start as soon as July 1,…
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ApplyCollege Admissions 2024–2025: What’s Driving Record Highs and More Pressure on Families?
If you felt like the 2024 – 2025 college admissions cycle was the most stressful yet—you weren’t imagining it. This year brought soaring application numbers, fierce competition for selective majors, and a growing sense of unpredictability for students and families. But beneath the surface, there were deeper trends driving what many experts have called the…
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AdviceDear Roadie: My 529 Plan Is Down — Should I Play It Safer?
Dear Roadie, With all the turmoil in the financial markets, our 529 savings have taken a big hit recently. While we have moved some funds over to conservative savings, should we move more? What should we do? — Our Savings Are Dwindling Dear Our Savings Are Dwindling, If you’ve logged into your 529 account recently…
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College List Building30 Best Liberal Arts Colleges: Academics, Financial Aid & Value
Picking a liberal arts college is a big decision. With so many great schools out there, how do you narrow it down? You probably want strong academics, generous financial aid, and a solid return on investment. But other things may matter as much, like campus vibe, class size, or distinctive teaching styles. In this guide,…
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AdviceDear Roadie: I Found A Fake ID In My Daughter’s Wallet. What Should I Do?
Dear Roadie, I found a fake ID while looking for my car keys in my daughter’s purse. She’s only 18 and has never really done anything like this, so I was shocked. Is this what college is about now? Should I say something to her about it, and if so, what? I’m not sure what…
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College List BuildingBest Colleges in California: Academics, Aid and Outcomes
The best colleges in California offer an unmatched combination of academic excellence, financial aid, and career-building experiences. In this guide, we’ve ranked California’s top 20 colleges using a holistic framework that considers academics, cost, financial aid, student life, and long-term success after graduation. Whether you’re looking for a world-class research university, an affordable UC campus,…
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College Admissions20 Best Colleges in Florida: Academics, Aid & Value
The best colleges in Florida offer a powerful mix of academics, affordability, and rewarding career paths. In this guide, we’ve evaluated Florida’s top 20 colleges, highlighting each school’s strengths, from standout academic programs to financial aid offerings and campus life. Our goal? Helping you discover the Florida college that’s the perfect fit for you. Inside…