Starting with the 2024–25 academic year, a new calculation, the Student Aid Index (SAI), determines a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid. The SAI replaces the previous Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and serves as an index of a student’s financial need, helping colleges assess how much need-based aid to offer. The SAI affects both returning and first-time…
When your student begins searching for schools, finding the most affordable colleges is incredibly beneficial. After all, if they can keep the cost of their college education down, they can avoid costly student loans and potentially graduate debt-free. But when your student begins hunting down affordable universities in the USA, it’s crucial to look beyond…
As students prepare to figure out how to pay for college, filling out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is always part of the process. Completing their FAFSA ensures colleges get critical details about a student’s financial situation, and the data within it can make them eligible for a wide array of financial aid…
Many students assume that all colleges are the same, particularly when it comes to financial aid. However, that isn’t actually the case, particularly if a student is focused on online schools. In reality, the list of online colleges accepting FAFSA is a bit more limited than traditional brick-and-mortar universities. Since that’s the case, students who…
As your student prepares to handle the cost of college, avoiding debt is usually a priority. As a result, it’s normal for them to wonder, “Do you have to pay back grants?” After all, most people don’t deal with any kind of grant until they reach college-age, so some confusion is to be expected. If…
Is your student ready to write their financial aid appeal but need a little help? Head over to our YouTube to watch How To Write Your Financial Aid Appeal Letter. When your student receives their college acceptance letter, there’s typically a financial aid award letter right alongside it. While most students are fine with the…
Figuring out how to pay for college as a transfer student might initially seem like a challenge. However, plenty of options are available, allowing students to handle their expenses easily. Plus, your student may be eligible for transfer student scholarships, too. If your student plans on transferring to a different school, transfer student scholarships make…
Most college students already understand how college tuition is paid for during the fall and spring semesters. However, when it comes to paying for summer classes, many students have questions. Taking summer classes — whether at your primary institution, a local community college, or another school — can help you save money and graduate faster….
In years past, a student’s expected family contribution (EFC) played a big role in their college financial aid package. Essentially, the EFC – is calculated based on data students enter on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – determined how much a student was going to have to pay out-of-pocket for their college expenses. But, now, things…
Paying for college can be challenging. Luckily, there are numerous options for financial aid, allowing students to secure opportunities to cover the cost. One such option is the work-study program. Work-study is unique. It isn’t just a student financial aid award. Instead, it’s an opportunity to learn valuable skills, gather work experience, and pay for…
