Fund Your Future
College costs continue to rise, and it's important to take advantage of any opportunities available for financial aid - especially those that do not have to be repaid later. Scholarships and grants are the most common "free" ways to pay for college, but some students may also have the option [...]
When delving into the world of private student loans, you may discover that many lenders mention a “co-borrower.” A co-borrower is someone who applies for the loan with you and is equally responsible for ensuring it is repaid. A private student loan will be held in your name as the [...]
Let’s face it – no one is accepted to college and thinks, “I can’t wait to pay my tuition bill!” College is a big investment, which is why it’s important to know your options, plan ahead, and choose wisely when paying for it. Remember: filling out the Free Application for [...]
If you’ve exhausted scholarships, grants, and Federal Direct Loans to cover college costs and are still left with funding gaps, you might be considering Federal Direct PLUS or private student loans. There are some key differences between the two loan types that are important to understand. What to Know About [...]
There is a lot of confusing language (and plenty of acronyms) when it comes to paying for college and financial aid. You may be surprised to know that "expected family contribution" or "EFC" is not necessarily the amount of money your family will actually end up paying your college. So [...]
When you receive your award letter from your college of choice, you’ll see a couple of important numbers listed – the estimated cost of attendance (COA), and any financial aid for which you are eligible, such as scholarships, grants, and federal loans/work study. What is Cost of Attendance (COA)? The [...]
Should I choose a fixed or variable rate? Fixed Interest Rate A fixed rate loan is exactly as it sounds – the interest rate is fixed, or stays the same, for the entire life of your loan. Pros: You’ll know what your interest rate is and won’t have to worry about [...]
Applying for a private student loan may seem confusing and intimidating, especially if you don’t have much experience handling personal finances. But with a bit of research and planning, you can make the process quicker and easier. First, remember that you should utilize scholarships, grants, and federal student loans before turning [...]
The best way to pay for college is with FREE money (money you don't have to pay back once you graduate). This comes in the form of scholarships and grants. Grants are usually awarded through your college when you file the FAFSA. There are many sources of scholarship money, and [...]
If you're a college student headed home for winter break, your mind is likely on sleeping in, spending time with family, and opening gifts - not on tuition payments. However, second semester will be here before you know it. Many families have faced financial challenges over the past year and [...]
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