You’ve opened the email, logged into the portal, and there it is: your student has been admitted and offered a financial aid package. Relief and excitement last about thirty seconds. Then you start scrolling. Numbers appear. Some seem promising. Others are confusing. Loans and grants blur together, unfamiliar acronyms pop up, and suddenly you’re wondering whether this school is truly affordable or whether you’re missing something important. You’re not alone. Financial aid awa

Picture a student who dreams of studying oceanography but lives in a landlocked state—or one living in California, Texas, or Florida, competing for limited seats at their state’s public universities. Both want to explore out-of-state college options. Both are concerned about cost. And both are great examples of students who could benefit from tuition reciprocity programs  that make certain public colleges more affordable. What Are Tuition Reciprocity Programs? Tuition recipro

Perhaps you’ve realized that you won’t qualify for need-based aid after running net price calculator tools or an SAI tool. That can be discouraging. The good news is that many colleges award merit aid, which is money given for achievement rather than financial need. Understanding how merit aid works, how it differs from need-based aid, and how to find generous colleges can make a difference. Merit Aid vs. Need-Based Aid • Need-based aid  depends on your financial situation, a

As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability and overwhelming debt. The good news? October 1st marks the opening of financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year, giving you a clear starting point for this important journey. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  is required by every U.S. college and university if your student is applying for need-based financ

Your teen has just received their college acceptance letters, and one of those schools is their first-choice college—exciting news! But...