All Paying for college Articles

Students think that they can never afford an Ivy League college, but they actually can
myths

College Myth: I Could Never Afford to Pay for an Ivy League College

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most students who consider attending an Ivy League college, like Harvard and Stanford, think of them as dream schools. Even some well-qualified students shy away from applying. They think they could never afford an Ivy League college. The good news is that, for most students, Ivy League colleges and other elite, selective universities are often actually …
It's a myth that you should wait until you're accepted to apply for financial aid
myths

College Myth: I Should Wait Until I’m Accepted to Apply for Financial Aid

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
Applying for financial aid can be tough. Beyond the complicated jargon and long forms, financial aid is tricky. Not only that, there’s a lot of conflicting and misguided advice. For example, most people think that they should apply for financial aid after they get accepted. However, this isn’t usually the right approach. We broke down …
Statistics showing the value of a college degree: 170% increase in wages, $1,000,000 additional lifetime income, 10 years to recoup the cost of an average undergraduate degree, 47% less likely to be unemployed. It's a myth that college isn't worth the price
myths

College Myth: College Isn’t Worth the Price

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
Accounting for inflation, the annual cost of college has more than doubled since 1980. With the average cost of attendance at private colleges now at $42,419, it’s no wonder people question the investment value and think college isn’t worth the price. Not only is the cost of college rising, many students are forced to take …
Sources of student financial aid
financial aid

Where Does Financial Aid Come From?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Once you hit send on those financial aid applications, what happens next? Money doesn’t suddenly fall onto your doorstep, so where does it come from? In being a good consumer, it is good to know this information. Where do financial aid dollars come from? There are 4 primary sources of financial aid: Federal Government State Government …
how much is college
financial aid

Guide to College Financial Aid

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
The financial aid equation You can run but you cannot hide. It’s time to face the finances. Before you get into the details of how and when to apply, it’s important to have some basic understanding of how the system works. I promise that it’s not as gruesome as you fear. In fact, the underlying principle …
College Tuition List
financial aid

Paying for College: Grants, Scholarships and Loans

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Paying for college You need to understand the difference between sticker and net price before understanding how paying for college works. The amount left after you factor in merit and talent scholarships for the college, need-based aid from the college, and any federal grants for which the student may qualify is your net price. It …
how much is a college education
financial aid

Applying for Financial Aid: Completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve no doubt heard horror stories about how difficult the process of applying for financial aid can be, especially with FAFSA and CSS. Applying for college financial aid certainly won’t be the most fun you’ve ever had. However, the process can be much more manageable by breaking it down into finite steps. EVERY college will …
If you think you won't get financial aid, you're wrong
financial aid

Financial Aid Forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile Overview

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on November 27, 2023
So, in the alphabet soup of college financial aid, you (hopefully) learned that the grand-daddy of financial aid acronyms is the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  Every school uses the FAFSA in determining and awarding financial assistance for college.  Through the personal and financial information provided on the FAFSA, the federal government …