Every year, millions of families fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), hoping to secure financial support for college. Yet despite its importance, the FAFSA remains one of the most misunderstood and mismanaged parts of the college planning...
How to Compare Financial Aid Award Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Navigating the college decision process is both exciting and stressful—especially when financial aid award letters start arriving in your inbox. At first glance, it might seem like you can simply compare the total amounts and choose the biggest offer. But in reality,...
How to Appeal a College Financial Aid Award Like a Pro
Getting into college is a victory. But what happens when your financial aid award falls short of expectations? You don’t have to accept it as the final word. Many families are unaware that financial aid awards are negotiable, especially when circumstances have changed...
Understanding FAFSA, CSS Profile, and Institutional Forms: What Families Need to Know
College financial aid forms can feel like an alphabet soup of stress for families. Between the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and additional institutional documents, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, these forms are essential for unlocking financial aid that can dramatically...
How CBRG Simplifies Financial Aid for Families
Paying for college is stressful. Between the rising costs, confusing forms, and unfamiliar terms, families often feel overwhelmed before they even start. FAFSA, CSS Profile, EFC—what does it all mean? And how do you know you’re doing it right? This is where College...
Maximizing Financial Aid: Tips for the 2025-26 Academic Year
Paying for college is one of many families' biggest financial challenges. With tuition costs rising, securing financial aid is more important than ever. The good news? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is getting a significant overhaul for the...
10 Essential Questions Parents Should Ask College Financial Aid Officers
As higher education costs rise, navigating college financial aid has become crucial to families' decisions about college. Understanding the ins and outs of financial aid can significantly affect a family's ability to pay for a student’s education. Asking the right...
Financial Aid Questions You Need to Ask
Financial aid can make a college education more affordable for parents and families. Expenses that aid can help cover include tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. To determine your financial need and eligibility, you must complete...
How to Read Your Financial Aid Award Letter
If you or your child are preparing for college, you are likely familiar with financial aid. Due to a college education's high and rising costs, financial aid is awarded to families who need help funding their schooling. Financial aid awards are given through...
How to File a FAFSA Appeal for a Financial Aid Decision
For young adults, choosing the right college and career path can be challenging. When you consider the cost of tuition, books, room and board, and other educational expenses, it makes sense that future students and their parents have considerable concerns. While...








