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ApplyThe New Ivies in 2026: Academics, Admissions and Affordability
If you’re considering colleges, the “New Ivies” present strong options. Use this guide to explore and compare them by academics, admissions, and affordability. In This Article: What Are the New […]
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College Financial PlanningColleges Offering Free Tuition Based on Family Income (Updated for 2026)
The cost of college has made financial aid a lifeline for most families. But traditional aid packages can be hard to read — and often leave parents unsure of what […]
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Standardized testsAchieving a Good Score on the SAT: How the Test Works and Tips for Success
The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test administered by the College Board. U.S. colleges widely use it as one piece of their admissions processes, along with GPA, […]
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AdviceDear Roadie: Are Sororities and Fraternities Really Worth It or Just Expensive “Buy-Your-Friends” Clubs?
Dear Roadie, My daughter is considering rushing a sorority, and I’m conflicted. On one hand, everyone talks about sisterhood, networking, and belonging. On the other hand, I hear about hefty […]
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College Financial PlanningHow to Get Merit Scholarships for College: The Institutional Strategy
About the author: Debbie Schwartz founded Road2College in 2014 to help families navigate the realities of paying for college. She previously worked in finance at Vanguard, Fidelity, and Accenture, and […]
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AdviceDear Roadie: My Teen Wants to Be a Teacher — Is It Still Worth It?
Dear Roadie, My daughter has dreamed of being a teacher since she was old enough to line up her stuffed animals and give them spelling tests. But I keep hearing […]
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ApplyWhat You’ll Pay for College Is Largely Set Before the Offers Arrive
The biggest factor in what families ultimately pay for college isn’t an unpredictable financial-aid formula. It’s the composition of a student’s college list, which can drive wide swings in the […]
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CareersWhat Does It Mean That a BS in Nursing Is No Longer Considered a “Professional” Degree?
If you — or a student you know — are studying nursing, 2025’s policy shake-up from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has changed the rules in a big way. […]
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College List BuildingBest College Comparison Tools for Finding Affordable, Right-Fit Schools
The best college comparison tools help you see what a school will really cost and whether it’s a good academic fit. They help you avoid falling in love with colleges […]
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Apply179 Good Small Colleges With High Acceptance Rates (and Generous Merit Aid)
Editor’s Note: Peter Pitts, a frequent Road2College contributor and small-college advocate, recently posted this in our Paying for College 101 Facebook group. We are republishing his insightful work here to […]
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ApplyThe Rise of Direct Admissions: A New Era of College Access
A growing number of states and institutions are flipping the script on college admissions with a radical new approach: direct admissions. Unlike traditional college applications, where students must initiate the […]
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ScholarshipsScholarships with October Deadlines
Chicago Culinary Museum and Chef’s Hall of Fame Scholarship Amount: $500 Apply by: October 1, 2025 Description: Open to students enrolled in an accredited culinary or hospitality management program […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]