When the initial financial aid offer from a college falls short, many families consider submitting an appeal. But the success of that appeal hinges on one critical factor: the strength and validity of the argument being made. Not all financial concerns qualify for...
When families face financial circumstances that make the original aid package insufficient, they often consider writing an appeal. But one key question quickly arises: What exactly do colleges want to see in an appeal letter? A well-crafted letter can be the...
Families facing an unaffordable college bill often ask a direct and urgent question: Does FAFSA usually accept appeals? The short answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. FAFSA itself does not approve or deny appeals. Instead, appeals are reviewed by individual...
A 529 plan is one of the most powerful tools families can use to prepare for the cost of college. These tax-advantaged accounts are specifically designed to help parents, grandparents, and other family members save for future education expenses. But not all 529 plans...
For years, families with generous grandparents faced an unexpected problem when saving for college. While 529 plans were designed to encourage families to save for education, grandparent-owned 529 plans often ended up hurting a student’s eligibility for need-based...
As students prepare for college admissions, one common question families ask is: Should I take both the SAT and ACT? While both standardized tests are accepted at nearly every college in the U.S., they each have different formats, structures, and advantages. For some...
With the rising cost of college, many families are left wondering how to fill the gap between financial aid and what they can afford out of pocket. One common solution: student loans. But can you use both federal and private student loans to pay for college? The...
For New Jersey families trying to navigate the rising cost of higher education, the phrase "free college" can be both appealing and confusing. Does it really mean college is completely free? Who qualifies? What programs are available? New Jersey has taken a proactive...
New Jersey students are fortunate to have access to one of the most generous and varied state financial aid systems in the country. From need-based grants to merit-based programs, the state offers multiple pathways to make college more affordable. But eligibility can...
The Federal Pell Grant remains the cornerstone of college affordability for low- and moderate-income families. Each year, millions of students rely on Pell funding to help pay for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. But in recent years, the rules governing Pell...
When it comes to filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), accuracy is everything. But just as important as knowing what to report is understanding what not to include. Too often, families overreport their financial assets by including retirement...
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps families can take to reduce the cost of college. Yet too many students and parents miss out on thousands of dollars in aid due to avoidable errors, poor timing, or a lack of...