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The content published on our website is written within the context of  existing FAFSA rules.  These rules are subject to change for students entering or already in college in 2024.  Please read our newsletter to regular updates on the status of these proposed changes which, though codified into law, are still subject for revision by the Department of Education.”

Billie Jo Weis

5 Steps to Take After You Submit the FAFSA

Now that you have submitted the FAFSA, what’s next? Even though the federal deadline to submit the ‘23/24 FAFSA is 6/30/2024, you will want to submit the FAFSA as early as possible, especially for first-time freshmen. The Department of Education released the FAFSA on October 1st and many families have already completed it or are on the cusp of getting it completed and submitted. Submitting the FAFSA is just step one in the process. Here are 5 steps to take…

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How You Pick Your College Could Cost You Lots

No matter if it’s cars or candy bars, every marketplace has one thing in common.  The seller hopes to influence the buyer’s decision by appealing to their emotions.  That’s the best way to get the buyer to pay more than they would otherwise.  But the buyer knows that if they can keep their emotions in check and stick to a rational comparison of pros and cons, they have a better chance of paying less than they would otherwise.  In every…

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How to resolve issues with your loan servicer

If you have been watching the news, you know Student loan servicers have been under scrutiny from organizations like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). They have been staunch advocates for borrowers against deceptive and unethical servicing practices by loan servicers which have defrauded millions of borrowers out of student loan forgiveness. The Department of Education (ED) has made significant changes to “right these wrongs” with their most recent changes and updates to several repayment programs. Every borrower must understand their…

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Federal PLUS Loan – Another option to pay for college

College can be unaffordable for students who cannot secure other funding options. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines a student’s eligibility to receive financial aid. However, the aid offered through the FAFSA application will not be enough to cover most students’ school expenses. Therefore, students must secure other funding sources such as scholarships, grants, and payment plans. Once all other funding options and sources are exhausted, parents can apply for additional loan funding. Parents can ch0ose to…

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5 Reasons Not to Have a “Top” or “Dream” School on Your College List

It happens to almost every family. They know they need to begin the college search process and, whether almost instantly or further along in the journey, the “top,” “target,” “dream” school emerges. The college or university that all the others are compared to, and the one that becomes the student’s focal point for where they hope to gain admission. It’s completely natural, too, for the “top school” mindset to take over. It’s simpler and more exciting to focus on one…

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2023-2024 FAFSA application is approaching. Are you Ready?

The 2022 Fall semester has just begun. Financial Aid Offices around the country have been busy reviewing students' Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and creating financial aid awards that students (and parents) have happily accepted. Parents have settled any outstanding balance they owe with their school's Bursar's Office. Students are back on campus, decorating their rooms, catching up with friends, and enjoying their college experience. All seems well until they realize the 2023-2024 FAFSA application is steadily approaching.…

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For student loans, borrow responsibly !

The 2022-2023 academic year is steadily approaching. Mailboxes or emails overflow with aid notification letters of students' financial aid packages from each school listed on their Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These letters indicate how much financial aid a student is eligible to receive. Part of the financial aid package includes student loans. Loan amounts vary based on your classification (ex. Freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) and your dependency status (ex. Dependent or independent). Student loans are part…

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Why Attend A Community College Before A Four-Year University?

Some people never think of attending a community college, but just figure they must attend a four-year university if they wish to obtain a degree. That isn’t the case and there are many reasons that attending a community college might be the right choice for many people. WHY THEY WERE DEVELOPED According to College Board, community colleges are in existence for two main reasons: (1) to serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer…

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Winning the Waiting Game – 5 action steps to take now

Tedious college applications, thoughtful essays, glowing recommendations, intense interviews, OH MY! The whole college process can bring about stress and anxiety for students and their families. Some try to speed up the process with early admissions, which has become all the more accessible AND competitive due to the expansion of test optional admissions. The frenzy of fall senior year is waning for those seniors who applied to early admissions deadlines but the waiting game between November 1st and January 1…

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Why Go to College When You’re Older – My Story

What a silly question that is, you might say. Here’s my story and it has a happy ending. WHY GO? I went to college for the first time when I was about 40. I had just gotten divorced and felt the need to expand my horizons and my education. I got married right out of high school, and although I took college classes, I knew I wasn’t going to attend college. After 40, I knew if I wanted to jump…

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