All Financial Aid Articles

grants for college
financial aid

What is the Pell Grant?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 26, 2023
Between scholarships, federal aid, and loans there is a lot to do before heading to college in the fall, but one thing you don’t want to forget about is the Pell Grant. It’s one more reason to complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. But what exactly is it? What Is the …
We're comparing apples and oranges, just like we're comparing and differentiating need-based and merit-based aid
financial aid

What’s the Difference Between Need-Based and Merit-Based Aid?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
College can be quite expensive, which means you’re looking for ways to afford it. As you look for aid to help pay for college, you’ll hear a lot of phrases and acronyms. These are two phrases you probably hear a lot while you’re researching scholarship and financial aid opportunities: need-based and merit-based. But what is …
Your grades and test scores may affect your financial aid opportunities.
financial aid

How GPA and Test Scores Affect Financial Aid Opportunities

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Over the course of your high school career, people have probably told you to make sure you keep your grades up. You’ve probably stressed about your standardized test scores and your GPA. Those two factors play a very large role in the college admissions process. But do better grades result in better financial aid opportunities? …
A chalkboard with writing that says "no more excuses."
financial aid

Bad Excuses for Not Filing for Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
No matter the reason, everyone should be filling out the FAFSA, or Free Application For Federal Student Aid, each year. Here are a few bad excuses we’ve heard students give when asked why they didn’t complete the application: I Won’t Qualify The number one reason that students or parents don’t complete the FAFSA is that …
How will your parents' college savings account affect your aid
financial aid

How Will My Parents’ College Savings Affect My Financial Aid?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’re applying to colleges and finally got to the part about financial aid. Calculating financial need is a complicated process. There are so many factors that go into it that families might not always expect. One of these factors, your parents’ college savings accounts, is frequently an area of great concern to parents and students …
What does a front-loaded financial aid package mean?
financial aid

What are Front-Loaded Financial Aid Packages?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
A vast majority of students in the United States receive some sort of financial aid when paying for college. This aid can come in many different forms, from scholarships, both private and publicly funded, grants, federal aid, and private aid companies. Needless to say, students should be 100% certain of where their money is coming …
Black dollar sign, stars and hats confetti macro shot.
financial aid

Fun Facts about Financial Aid in America!

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students are anxious when it comes to financial aid. How do I find it? Do I qualify for any? When are the deadlines? While applying for financial aid should be taken seriously—you don’t want to be lax about your applications—it’s always good to step back a little, take a deep breath, and keep these …
A five-dollar bill shown in a magnifying glass.
financial aid

Finding Extra Financial Aid as an Out-of-State Student

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on July 28, 2023
When searching for colleges and universities that interest you, affordability is often a large concern. Among private universities, it doesn’t much matter: they don’t receive state funding, and therefore charge their students the same for tuition regardless of which state they reside in. Public universities are different. Because they receive state funding that comes from …

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