University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge Overview The University of Cambridge, situated about 60 miles north of London, has roots dating back to 1209. Around 19,000 students attend the university, with over 35% studying at the graduate level. It consists of six schools: arts and humanities, biological sciences, clinical medicine, humanities and social sciences, physical sciences, and technology. … Read more

University of Oxford

University of Oxford Summary The University of Oxford’s founding date isn’t precisely known, but its history stretches back to at least 1096. Situated about 60 miles northwest of London, Oxford has a student body where graduate students make up roughly 45%. Over half of these graduate students are involved in research as part of their … Read more

How to Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter

Experts say successful financial aid appeals are uncommon, but a well-written appeal letter gives students the best shot at securing more college funding. Once students receive their award letter, they might have the option to appeal the financial aid package offered by a particular college. Not every student is in a position to justify an … Read more

How to Read Your Financial Aid Award Letter

Financial aid award letters—notoriously tricky and confusing—are starting to land in students’ mailboxes. To make sense of them, students should use available tools, create a spreadsheet to compare offers accurately, and reach out to their financial aid office if anything seems unclear. Students seeking help with college costs can expect their financial aid award letter … Read more

Do Students Have to Pay Back Financial Aid?

When it comes to covering college costs, families have several financial aid options to consider. However, it’s important to remember that the kind of aid received affects whether it needs to be repaid. Loans must be paid back, but grants, scholarships, and work-study earnings don’t require repayment. Experts recommend that students max out grants and … Read more

Understanding Financial Aid for College: A Guide

Many families are stunned when they see a college’s sticker price. Though tuition costs can feel overwhelming, financial aid can help make higher education more manageable. According to the annual Sallie Mae/Ipsos survey, How America Pays for College, most families rely on income and savings to cover college expenses. The 2024 survey found that scholarships and … Read more