Are Extracurriculars Important for College?

Oct 29, 2025 | College admissions

For many high school students and parents, the college admissions process can feel like navigating a maze filled with unwritten rules, hidden criteria, and endless applications. One of the most common questions we hear at the College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) is:...

College Planning Today vs. 25 Years Ago: What’s Changed and How to Keep Up

Oct 24, 2025 | College planning

The college planning landscape isn’t what it used to be Parents who attended college in the 1990s or early 2000s often approach the process for their kids with a familiar mindset: visit a few schools, take the SAT, fill out a couple applications, and wait for...

Why Graduating in Four Years Matters — And How CBRG Helps You Do It

Oct 24, 2025 | College planning

The high stakes of college completion timing College is expensive. But what many families don’t anticipate is how much more expensive it becomes when a student takes five or six years to earn a degree instead of four. According to the National Center for Education...

Why Your Submitting the FAFSA Isn’t the End of the Process

Oct 13, 2025 | FAFSA

Many families breathe a sigh of relief once the FAFSA is submitted. But filing is only the first step in securing financial aid for college. What comes next is just as important—and, if not handled carefully, can cost you valuable aid dollars. This guide walks you...

College Cost Planning: What to Ask and When to Ask It

Oct 13, 2025 | College planning

Planning for college isn’t just about choosing the right school—it’s also about understanding how to afford it. Many families are surprised by how complex the college costs conversation becomes, and how early they need to begin. From understanding net price to timing...