How do I get the most out of a college fair?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThere are multiple strategies for getting the most out of a college fair. Any strategy starts with the same premise: talk to the admissions representative. After all, given the amount of information available from the internet, the point of attending a college fair is talk to actual people. And if you are going to … Read more

My parents are divorced. Which parent do I use for my FAFSA?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesFor students with divorced parents, the custodial parent is the one the parent they lived with the for the previous 12 months. This isn’t necessarily the parent who has legal custody or who provides the most financial support. If your lived with both parents for the same amount of time, then the custodial parent … Read more

What are the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant requirements?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThe Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) program is a campus-based aid program. The school’s financial aid office receives a certain amount of SEOG funds each year and then distributes the money to its students based on financial need. The school sets the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant requirements, the deadlines, and the award amounts … Read more

Is there a limit to the number of years I can get financial aid?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThere are specific limits for federal financial aid programs. Since July 1, 2013, first time borrowers of subsidized loans are limited to a maximum time of 150% of the length of the student’s program. This means that those in a four-year program are limited to six years of loans while those in two-year programs … Read more

FAQ: Do I have to report outside scholarships to the financial aid office?

A student stands on a pathway with a large building in the background. A note reads, "College FAQ: Do I have to report outside scholarships to the financial aid office?

Note asking Do I have to report outside scholarships to the financial aid office?An outside scholarship is one that is not part of the financial aid package awarded to you by the college. You need to report any outside scholarships to the financial aid office because it will affect your need-based aid. Schools are required by Federal rules to adjust financial aid package so that the total of all of your aid does not exceed the school’s cost of attendance by $300.

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What are test optional colleges?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThe term “test optional” generally refers to colleges and universities that do not require students to submit ACT or SAT test scores to be admitted to the institution. However, there really isn’t a set definition as seen at the Fair Test website, an organization that tracks such testing requirements. Even the Fair Test definition … Read more

Should students apply to “reach” colleges?

ShareTweetFlipEmailPin0 SharesThe simple answer is not to apply to any college that you can’t afford to attend. Of course, given that the vast majority of financial aid is awarded by colleges, most students don’t actually know if they can afford a college until they are accepted and have received their financial aid award letters. However, … Read more

FAQ: What is college average net price?

student standing in front of college asking what is average net price

postit note asking what is average net priceIn the most general terms, Average Net Price is the price that students actually pay for college as opposed to the “list” price or Total Cost of Attendance. The government defines average net price “by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees, books and supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses.”

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