We break down the most common examples, including books, laptop, travel, dorm needs, parking fees, and food and beverage. Read More
Paying for College
Comparing Your College Options
Determine each school’s total cost including billed and unbilled expenses, determine each school’s net cost including grants and scholarships, and determine any future year net cost changes by speaking to the financial aid office. Read More
Financial Aid
Answering Your Top Questions about Financial Aid Awards
We discuss work study, the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, how scholarships affect financial aid, subsidized vs unsubsidized loans, Federal Direct Loan limits and interest rates, MA state aid, and how to use your college savings funds. Read More
Paying for College
Catherine’s Story: Community College to 4-Year Degree
The Director of Financial Aid at Brandeis University discusses her journey to Boston College, adjustments she faced after transferring, the benefits of the Commonwealth Commitment, and potential challenges for community college students. Read More
Paying for College
Introducing Our New Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator
Calculate your EFC by entering your state of residence, the number of people in your household, the number of children you anticipate to be in college, information about the finances of the student’s parents, and financial information for the student. Read More
Financial Aid
Can I Ask a Financial Aid Office for More Money?
We asked financial aid administrators at three different Massachusetts colleges how they would respond if a perspective student appealed for more financial aid. Answers ranged from not matching another school’s offer to potentially granting more moderate requests. Read More
Scholarships
How to Search for College Scholarships Online
Tips include creating a spreadsheet, starting local then expanding, searching scholarship databases, and creating an account. Read More