What's one of the smartest ways to stretch your money for college? Make smart choices. Do a budget. The best way to do this is to keep track of every dollar you spend for one month. Carry a little notebook with you or do a list in your phone. You will be surprised where some of the money goes. It is different for everyone. Some people would never spend money on a video … [Read more...] about Stretching Your College Going Dollars – Making Good Choices
college financial aid
Income Adjustments & Your College Financial Aid
In my last blog we discussed the components of the Cost of Attendance (COA) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Financial aid offices subtract the amount families are expected to contribute toward the student's education from the calculated COA for their school. The result is the amount of need the student has and this is the financial aid ceiling for that student - in … [Read more...] about Income Adjustments & Your College Financial Aid
Full Time Enrollment and Financial Aid – Credits Matter
Do you know what your college defines as full-time enrollment? It is usually 12 to 15 units or credit hours. Do you know how the federal government defines full-time enrollment for purposes of financial aid? You should. It can make a difference of hundreds of dollars in your grant aid. Not everyone's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the same, but the Pell Grant … [Read more...] about Full Time Enrollment and Financial Aid – Credits Matter
Student Loan Program to Undergo Major Changes
Hey all - We'll have more on this later, but wanted to give you a head's up on changes to the federal student loan program. The new legislation was attached to the health care bill, which passed on Sunday, March 21, 2010. The senate still must have its say but it appears the legislation will pass. Generally speaking the legislation will overhaul the student loan industry, … [Read more...] about Student Loan Program to Undergo Major Changes
In the News: New GI Bill Expands Education Benefits for Fall ’09
Congress passed a new and expanded GI Bill in 2008, which is set to significantly expand education benefits for members of the U.S. Armed Forces as early as this fall. The new funding plan will allow soldiers who have served at least 90 days since 9/11 to receive up to the full cost of tuition and fees at the most expensive in-state school. The old GI Bill pays a set amount, … [Read more...] about In the News: New GI Bill Expands Education Benefits for Fall ’09