Financial planning
Most Recent Posts
What is the difference between “sticker price” and “net price” for college?
How much will you really pay for college? Why you need to know the net price vs sticker price.
Budgeting for college students
Budgeting as a student is no easy feat. Read our tips to saving money and budgeting while you're in college.
Economic Mobility Score (EMS)
Get the best return on your college investment with our Economic Mobility Score. It helps you find affordable colleges with the highest graduate earnings.
What is the true cost of college?
Real net costs of attending college have actually fallen in recent years if financial aid and opportunity costs are taken into account.
Common FAFSA mistakes to avoid
FAFSA is among the most important student forms to complete, opening the door to various financial aid opportunities. Avoid these common FAFSA mistakes.
More articles
How to read a financial aid award letter
Receiving a financial aid award letter can be both exciting and confusing. Here’s a simple...
How to pay off student loans fast
As a graduate you needn’t struggle with student debt for the rest of your life....
How to avoid scholarship scams
Scholarships can be a great way to fund your studies, but some are too good...
A guide to working while in college
Looking to make some extra cash between semesters? Check out these summer college jobs to...
How to make college more affordable
Between tuition, room and board, utilities, textbooks, groceries and transportation, college students quickly learn to...
Student loan horror stories
Planning to take out a loan to cover your education? Be sure to do your...
What is the 529 savings plan?
529 plans are the most popular way to save for a child’s education in the...
Subsidized vs. unsubsidized federal loans
Understand the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized student loans and how loan repayment works in...
Tips and strategies to ace a scholarship interview
You may be required to participate in an interview as part of your scholarship application....
Student loan forgiveness: ultimate guide
Loan forgiveness is among the quickest ways to pay off student loan debt. Learn about...
11 ways to save money on textbooks
Textbooks may not be your first consideration when planning your college budget, but the costs...
How to choose the best private student loans
If you’ve exhausted federal student loan options you might consider a private loan to help...
Outside scholarships: How to get them and how they affect financial aid
Outside scholarships can be an excellent way to fund your college studies. Learn more about...
A guide to financial literacy for college students
How you handle your money can make or break the college experience. Take the time...
Student loan forgiveness for healthcare workers
If you work in the medical field then you may be eligible for loan forgiveness....
What is the CSS Profile and how do I apply?
Like FAFSA, the CSS Profile evaluates your eligibility for financial aid – but in this...
Student loan repayment options
Compare different federal and private student loan repayment options and find the cheapest repayment plan...
Types of student loans: advantages, disadvantages, and how to apply
Student loans have always had a bad rap, yet remain a necessity for many students....
What is the Federal Pell Grant?
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible students, typically from low income households. This grant...
How to write an effective scholarship essay
Although many people consider writing a good scholarship essay to be an art form, our...
How to apply for a scholarship
Each year millions of dollars in scholarships go unused. Learn about different scholarships and how...
How to successfully apply for FAFSA
Navigate through the FASFA process with ease by checking out this helpful guide that outlines...
What every student should know about college endowments
Students are the main beneficiaries of their school’s endowment at most colleges. Find out how...
Calculating ROI – or the earning potential of a degree
By basing the choice of degree program and educational institution on return on investment (ROI)...
How to start investing while still in college
Investing online has never been easier, but getting started can be intimidating. Smart investments in...
Do you have to pay for a PhD?
It is standard for PhD students in psychology, social sciences, and many other fields to...
