Read what we learned about creating a financial plan, financial aid options, financial planning, financial aid timelines, and staying on top of payments throughout college. Read More
What is the Effect of Retirement Savings on Financial Aid?
Retirement savings are not reported on the FAFSA, but they are reported on the CSS Profile, meaning they could potentially affect your financial aid award at certain schools. Read More
What We Learned at the FSA Conference
Highlights include the launch of a chat bot to answer questions from student borrowers, the consolidation of several Federal Student Aid websites, a new Informed Borrower Tool, an offering of income-share agreements, and a new Loan Simulator. Read More
Communicating Special Circumstances with the Financial Aid Office
Learn what we mean by “extenuating circumstances”, what qualifies as an extenuating circumstance, what you need to submit to your college, and when to submit it. Read More
College Savings Accounts and Financial Aid
We answer frequently asked questions including does a student get ignored for financial aid if the family has a college savings account, how does a college savings account affect my eligibility for financial aid, will the financial aid amount change once the school learns of my college savings account, and what happens if my grandparents save for my college? Read More
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): What You Need to Know
Learn about SAP Criteria and Examples, what happens if you do not meet a college’s SAP standards, common myths about SAP, and how to stay on track. Read More
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students or Parents
We provide tips on how you should file the FAFSA, who you should contact at the colleges you are applying to, which loans you can borrow, and what scholarships to apply for. Read More