-
Student & Parent LoansParent PLUS Loan Limits: What Every Family Needs to Know
Parent PLUS loans now have annual and lifetime borrowing caps for new borrowers. If your family has relied on Parent PLUS to fill the gap between financial aid and college […]
- ACT
- Advice
- Apply
- Careers
- College Admissions
- College Financial Planning
- College List Building
- College prep
- College Sports
- Community College
- COVID-19
- Curated Articles
- Family Journeys
- Federal Loans
- Finance
- Financial Aid Appeals
- Find Scholarships
- Gift Ideas
- High School Academics & Activities
- ICYMI
- Learn
- Merit Scholarships
- Military
- News
- Paying Off Loans
- Plan
- SAT
- SAT Prep
- Season
- Standardized Testing
- Student & Parent Loans
- Student Athletes
- Survive
- Test Taking
- Uncategorized
- Vocational schools
- What You Need to Know
-
College AdmissionsState Schools Can Be the Smart Choice for Many Students — If You Can Get In!
In-state tuition costs far less than out-of-state tuition, so for years state schools have been considered an affordable pathway to college. Many provide a top-tier education and have plenty of […]
-
ApplyHow to Get Into College Without Test Scores and Only 1 AP Class
The mom of a Penn State-bound high school senior shared the following story in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group, and it garnered tons of attention. It summarizes her […]
-
AdviceBe Prepared for These 10 Key FAFSA Changes When You Fill Out Your Form
After delays and confusion, a significant change in the college financial aid landscape has arrived with the overhaul of The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These changes, which […]
-
AdviceFAFSA Application Ultimate Guide: How to Apply, Steps, Tips, FAQ
In this comprehensive guide for the FAFSA application, we provide the essential information you need to successfully apply for financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education will introduce a revamped […]
-
AdviceGet Ahead of the Admissions Curve: Early Planning Was the Key to Our Success
This story, as told by Fidela L. was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. (Go here to read the […]
-
ApplyExploring the Midwest Student Exchange Program: Making College More Affordable in 8 States
Pursuing higher education in the Midwest brings unique challenges and opportunities, especially when your home state lacks certain academic programs. The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), also known as the […]
-
EssaysStep-by-Step Guide on How to Write a Supplemental Essay for College
Understanding the nuances of supplemental essays in college applications is crucial for aspiring college students. This article delves into what a supplemental essay is, its importance in the college admissions […]
-
FinanceDeciphering College Financial Aid: A Guide to Need-Based vs. Merit-Based Aid
College financial aid falls into two basic categories: need-based and merit-based aid. It’s important to know the difference between the two. Merit-based financial aid can come from institutional, state, federal […]
-
Standardized testsWhat Is a Good PSAT Score? Essential Guide to Scoring, Scholarships, and Prep
Table of Contents More than 1.5 million high school students take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) each year. This guide explains what constitutes a good PSAT score and how to […]
-
Financial Aid AppealsHow to Write Financial Aid Appeal Letter (With Free Templates)
If you’ve recently received your college financial aid offer and it’s less than what you need, you’re not alone. Many students find themselves in this position, but there’s a proactive […]
-
College Financial PlanningHow Do Student Loans Work: Guide to Federal, State and Private College Loans
Students and parents often must borrow money to help pay college tuition and other educational expenses. However, understanding how student loans work and navigating the process can be daunting. This […]
-
AdviceDon’t Let College Dreams Shatter: Tips to Avoid Loan Denials
Parents of high school seniors, I want to share some advice that could save you from heartbreak in the days leading up to your child’s start of college. Nothing is […]
-
Advice3 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Break With Your College Freshman A Success
Making a college freshman’s Thanksgiving break a success involves creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment while also addressing their specific needs and preferences. Here are three ways to make their […]
-
Advice5 Questions No College Freshman Wants to Answer This Thanksgiving
As we prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table with our loved ones this year, let’s do the students in our lives a “solid” and avoid asking the five questions […]
-
Paying Off LoansUnderstanding Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans and Choosing Your Best Option
When it comes to student loans, families commonly ask us: What’s the difference between subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans? Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans refer to fixed-rate loans made directly by […]
-
College Financial PlanningNavigating College with a $0 EFC: A Unique Journey
Editor’s Note: This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community; the author has chosen to remain anonymous. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. Also, […]
-
ApplyWhat To Do When Stress & Anxiety Over College Applications Reach A Fever Pitch
I’ve got a high school senior and if your house is anything like mine, you are in the throes of college application season. It’s an exciting time filled with possibilities, […]
-
College AdmissionsOur Family’s Journey Applying to Small Liberal Arts Colleges
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community; the author has chosen to remain anonymous. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. As a parent, […]
