Category Archives: Financial Aid

College decision: head, heart…wallet

Making the college enrollment decision? The author of this article, a veteran school counselor (and dad), makes the case for considering three key factors: head, heart, and wallet. 

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Financial aid: changes coming in 2016!

The FAFSA is normally filed in January of a student’s senior year in high school. Starting in 2016, seniors will be able to file the FAFSA as early as October to get an earlier read on affordability. This article details the … Continue reading

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Private colleges and tuition discounts

With the exception of the most selective schools, don’t be scared off by a private college’s sticker price: “Colleges eager to recruit applicants are luring students with big grants— often labeled ‘merit scholarships’ to flatter recipients, but in reality more … Continue reading

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Middle-class students & financial aid

“Thanks in part to a shift toward awarding grants based on academic ‘merit’ instead of need (‘merit’ can be a pretty loose term), colleges today are fairly generous toward families in the middle of the income pack.” As this article … Continue reading

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‘Tis the season: FAFSA

Jan. 1 means it’s time to fill out the FAFSA. The earlier it is received, the earlier it will get processed, and the better positioned you will be for grants and scholarships.  This article lets you know what you need to fill … Continue reading

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Financial Aid: Myths & Facts

Worried about paying for college? Here’s an excellent overview of how financial aid really works.

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Inferior Net-Price Calculators

Some colleges are using inferior net price calculators. Here’s how to spot them.

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Good Grades and Merit Aid?

An informative article on merit aid and why it’s not at all guaranteed, even with good grades and test scores.

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Need-Based Financial Aid Demystified

Estimate your expected family contribution (EFC) toward the cost of college in two simple steps, and learn how the college financial aid system works using this straight-forward guide that explains: expected family contribution, need-based financial aid, merit aid, the FAFSA, … Continue reading

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Early Decision: Right choice for you?

Applying to college through a binding early decision plan is meant for those students who absolutely are ready to commit to one school. “It is also for students who are ready to apply and will be able to present the … Continue reading

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