student loans

What is the student loan rehabilitation program?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 24, 2026

Key takeaways The student loan rehabilitation program is for federal borrowers who have defaulted on their student loans, and completing the program gets you out of default. Most federal borrowers in default can sign up for the program through the U.S Department of Education (ED) Default Resolution Group (DRG). If approved, you need to make …

scholarship search & applications, scholarships

How To Find Merit Scholarships You Can Qualify For

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Academic and athletic scholarships are the two biggest merit scholarship categories, but they aren’t the only ones. Merit scholarships also encompass all scholarships that you are eligible for based on the sponsor’s criteria and they do not take financial need into consideration. Doing a general search for merit scholarships can throw up thousands of opportunities. …

scholarship search & applications, scholarships

How to Apply to As Many Scholarships As You Can in One Month

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Are scholarship deadlines creeping up on you all at once? Only have a bit of time to get the applications completed? Whatever your reasons, there are strategies you can take advantage of to get as many scholarship applications as you can in one month. Remember these tips. Start with a Schedule A schedule will be …

financial advice & planning

What is Tuition Insurance for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

From pet insurance to health insurance, there’s quite a lot of coverage options available for different aspects of life. There’s also tuition insurance, believe it or not. Here’s a rundown of what it is, what it covers (and doesn’t cover), and how you can get a policy. What is Tuition Insurance? Some colleges and universities …

financial advice & planning

Should I Get a Work-Study or a Job in College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some students, when entering college, maybe trying to decide if they should work during school. There are definitely pros and cons to this approach, and you may have the option between work-study and a job. These are some considerations you should make, and some tips to help you decide between a work-study or job in …

financial aid

How to Appeal for More Financial Aid If COVID-19 Affected Your Family Income

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you know you can appeal for more financial aid? Appeals are often done due to major life event that affected an individual’s or family’s income. Since FAFSA and other financial aid offers tend to be based on federal taxes from two years ago, recent applications may not truly reflect the reality of your current …

myths

3 Big College Financial Aid Offer Myths

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

So you have your financial aid letters in hand. Do you fully understand what they say, and know the terms and conditions of the offer? Many students don’t and realize they’ve made a mistake after acceptance – some don’t realize until years down the line! Here are some debunked financial aid offer myths to help …

financial advice & planning

5 Great Things to Do With Your Graduation Money

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 28, 2023

Congratulations on graduating high school! Many graduates receive money from their parents or relatives before heading off to college. Have you made plans for the money yet? If you’re not quite sure what to spend your graduation money on, here are four ideas that could prove beneficial. #1: Put the Money Towards College There’s no …

scholarships

What can I use scholarship money for and how do I use it?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 4, 2025

Key Takeaways: Scholarships can cover many education-related costs, including tuition, room and board, and supplies. Some organizations restrict how you can use scholarship money, limiting you to tuition or a similar expense. Always read over the terms before accepting an award to better understand how to spend the money and how you’ll receive it. Scholarships …

financial aid

What You Should Know about Front-Loaded Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many students rely on financial aid in order to attend college, but. While researching financial aid, you may have come across the term “front-loaded.” But what is it? Is it good or bad? Are there other options available? Here’s what you need to know about this front-loaded financial aid. What is Front-Loaded Financial Aid? Front-loaded …