Scholarships Archives - College Countdown

When the Aid Offer Comes Up Short: Hacks to Close the Gap

Although college is one of the most important investments you can make, you need to be honest about what options work within your budget. Here are a few tips that…

Laura Reisert Kalinkewicz, Ph.D.November 1, 2025

Close-up of Benjamin Franklins eyes on the U.S.

Affording College

6 Financial Steps to Avoid When College Costs are Around the Corner

While some routes are better than others, others can have an adverse impact on your family’s financial health. Here are six financial missteps to avoid when college costs are soon…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 6, 2025

Affording College

How Can You Lower the Price Tag for College?

Scholarships: Scholarships are funds that you don’t have to pay back. So, apply for as many scholarships as you can. While they’re generally tax-free when used for tuition, textbooks, housing, and…

ScholarShare 529October 3, 2025

Affording College Junior Student Senior Student

C’s Are Expensive

Most financial awards a student receives in college are tied to maintaining a certain GPA. Typically, the requirement is 3.0, which would be considered straight Bs, but some awards may…

Neil Best, Ph.D.October 2, 2025

Affording College

How to Stretch College Dollars: Simple Steps That Save Thousands

You already know that the real challenge isn’t just paying the bill, it’s making each dollar stretch as far as possible. Financial aid, scholarships, and savings are finite, and the…

David Q. Hao, MA, JDOctober 1, 2025

Affording College Senior Student

3 Reasons to Fill Out the FAFSA

As the name implies, the FAFSA is completely free and gives you access to federal aid to make paying for college easier. Three reasons to fill out the FAFSA: 1.…

ScholarShare 529October 1, 2025

Academic Success Parenting Senior Student

7 Tips for Parents of First-Generation Students from a Student Success Coach

Rather there are myriad ways students can make the most of undergraduate study based on their majors, living situations, strengths, prior experiences, use of resources, and campus involvement. Each of…

Jennifer Tharp, Ph.D.September 16, 2025

Affording College Junior Student Senior Student

Understanding Sources of Financial Aid: Tips for Californians

With so many schools, it is important to understand options for financing your student’s degree. Government aid: Both federal and state governments give aid based on data provided on the…

Laura Reisert Kalinkewicz, Ph.D.August 22, 2025

Affording College

When 529 Funds Are Not Needed As Planned

The reasons parents find themselves no longer needing to fully utilize the value of their 529 account most typically relate to the student’s receipt of a full or partial scholarship,…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.August 11, 2025

Parenting Senior Student

Essential Money Conversations Before College Drop Off Day

Before college drop-off day, make sure you’ve had an open and honest conversation about the following topics if you haven’t already. 1. The overall cost of college There’s no sense…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.August 4, 2025

Affording College

Insider Tips for Parents Navigating Financial Aid

1. Start your scholarship search early. The best time to search for scholarships is during your child's junior and senior high school years. Most scholarship deadlines fall between January and…

Anna PetersJuly 22, 2025

Affording College

8 Ways to Help Your Student Stretch Every Dollar in College

We’re talking books, housing, mystery fees, and $7 coffees your student swears are “essential.” For low-income students, every dollar has to work overtime. But here’s the secret: with a little…

Cassandra DiBenedettoJuly 7, 2025

Scholarships

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