A big factor for most people when picking a college is how hard the costs will hit their family’s budget. But with a smart financial aid strategy, you might get some happy surprises—like a surprisingly generous offer from that expensive private school at the top of your list, making it even cheaper than your local … Read more
Many families are stunned when they see a college’s sticker price. Though tuition costs can feel overwhelming, financial aid can make higher education more within reach. According to the annual Sallie Mae/Ipsos survey, How America Pays for College, many families rely on income and savings to cover college expenses. The 2024 survey found that scholarships and … Read more
Experts suggest students max out grants and scholarships before turning to loans. But for many families, those options aren’t enough. Data from U.S. News shows that 66% of 2017 graduates took out loans, borrowing nearly $30,000 on average. With national student loan debt hitting around $1.5 trillion, Marty Somero, financial aid director at the University … Read more
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
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
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
For most people, one of the biggest factors in picking a college is how hard the costs will hit their family’s budget. But if you play your cards right with financial aid, you might get some happy surprises—like a surprisingly generous offer from that expensive private school at the top of your list, making it … Read more
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
