Hilary Cairns

Hilary Cairns is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and has a BA in English/Creative Writing. She's an established freelance writer who also has a hand in marketing, social media, and editing for various businesses across the United States.
What's the difference between grants and scholarships?
financial aid

Will The Pell Grant Change as a Result of the OBBB?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 11, 2025
Key Takeaways: The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and will bring some changes to the Pell Grant in 2026. Students will no longer be able to receive the Pell Grant if they have grant aid that meets or exceeds their cost of attendance. The OBBB also affects …
affordability & college cost

Most Affordable Law Schools

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 23, 2026
Key Takeaways: A law degree costs $217,480 on average in 2024, and the price increases every year. Affordable law schools include Southern University, University of South Dakota, and CUNY School of Law. Complete the FAFSA, score well on the LSAT, and apply for scholarships to further lower the cost. Going to college is expensive, and …
Three dentists looking at an x-ray of someone's teeth.
college majors & minors, college search

Dental Schools in Florida

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 4, 2025
Key Takeaways: There are only 3 dental schools in Florida: LECOM, NOVA Southeastern University, and the University of Florida. Dental school takes 4 years to complete, but students can pursue advanced dentistry programs, which usually take an additional 1 to 3 years. Applicants should have a strong GPA and high DAT scores to improve admission …
Here's how to get a scholarship with your parent's help.
student loans

College Loans for Parents

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 1, 2025
Key Takeaways: Qualifying parents can borrow direct PLUS Loans through the federal government or parent college loans through private lenders. Federal parent PLUS loans usually have more repayment options and lower interest rates than private options. You can apply for a PLUS loan on the FSA website, but you may have to complete a separate …
Trade job plumber inspecting job.
financial advice & planning

How Much Does Trade School Cost?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 1, 2025
Key Takeaways Trade school tuition costs range from $3,973 to $16,877. The total cost of attendance depends on the type of program, school, length, and more. You can complete the FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and request tuition reimbursement to lower the price further. Trade schools, with tuition ranging from $3,973 to $16,877 on average, are typically …
Check out these health-related scholarships.
financial advice & planning

Health Insurance for College Students With Low or No Income

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 1, 2025
Key Takeaways Most colleges require their students to carry qualifying health insurance, which can add thousands to the bill. Students can find discounted or no-cost health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, Medicaid, and Medicare. Colleges also offer campus plans, that can range from around $1,500 to over $4,000 per academic year. Between tuition and books, …
Here are some biomedical science scholarships
college comparisons

Great Colleges With Good Medical Programs

By Hilary CairnsPublished on July 7, 2025
Key Takeaways: Some great colleges with good medical programs include Rutgers University, Wake Forest University, and Dartmouth College. To find the right medical school, consider your personal preferences, including location, desired specialty, and cost. You should also compare institutions’ admission requirements, research funding, graduation outcomes, and curriculum. The medical program you choose impacts your education …
Student earning a degree in a foreign country.
college search

Earning Your Degree in Another Country: A Guide to Attending College Abroad

By Hilary CairnsPublished on June 12, 2025
Key Takeaways: Attending college abroad and earning your degree in another country can help students broaden their horizons, explore unique academic options, and experience personal growth. Canada and the United Kingdom are among the most popular options for American students studying abroad. Many universities offer financial aid packages for international students, and some have free …

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