A handy, comprehensive library of important admissions and financial aid topics
Financial Aid Trends 2026
This year’s FAFSA opened on October 1st. New this year is that families with small farms or small businesses can exclude these assets which will reduce a family’s Student Aid Index (SAI) hopefully leading to greater fina...
Information About The Federal Student Direct Stafford Loan
The Federal Stafford Loan is automatically offered as part of a student’s financial aid award. The maximum loan amounts are:• Freshman — $3500 Sub / $2000 Unsub• Sophomore — $4500 Sub / $2000 Unsub• Junior — $5500 Su...
Research Colleges & Universities Financial Aid BEFORE Applying
It is extremely important for families to know the differences between public and private universities when it comes to merit and need-based financial aid.Private Universities• More expensive, but better chance at mer...
Common Financial Aid Terms & Definitions
Cost of Attendance - The total amount (not including scholarships and grants) that it will cost a student to attend college in 2021-22. COA includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, loan fe...
Student Loans - A Trillion Dollar Embarrassment
Every 28 seconds, a student defaults on a loan. There is over $1.6 trillion in outstanding student loans in the US today. Over 11% of them are more than 90 days delinquent. A major problem stems from predatory lending se...
Financial Aid for Summer Classes
Taking summer classes is a smart way to decrease college costs, especially if taking classes at your local community college. (Just make sure the credits will transfer.) If you qualify, the Federal Pell Grant is a great...
Five Steps to Win More Financial Aid
Did you know that 45% of families who earn more than $106,000 do not get as much need-based aid as they deserve. Here are five steps to get more:1. Figure out how much college will cost and how much the family can real...