FAFSA Archives - College Countdown

Affording College Senior Student

Staying Positive Amid Uncertainty: The Financial Aid Factor

Here are ten tips to keep a level head at this time of uncertainty while awaiting final admissions decisions and offers of financial aid. Be certain to file the Free…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.April 7, 2025

Affording College Senior Student

Essential Websites for Students

Each website provides access to resources to support underrepresented students as they apply to, enter, and succeed in postsecondary education. College Search BigFuture College Search: BigFuture is the free college planning…

National College Attainment NetworkApril 7, 2025

Parenting

Common Questions About Planning For College

Let's break down three common concerns we hear from parents and identify what you can do to address them. 1. How can I ensure my child applies to schools that…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.March 5, 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.November 11, 2024

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, 2024

Junior Student Senior Student Student Life

Invest in Yourself

As your student considers what the college experience will look like for them, I would like to offer a letter of encouragement based on my experience. Now, as a college…

Oscar Espinoza-Parra, Ph.D.June 15, 2024

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 8, 2023

Affording College Senior Student

6 Tips for Student Loan Repayment

Even though repayment usually starts six months after graduation or you drop below half-time enrollment, you can choose to start repaying your loans while still in school to get a…

ScholarShare 529October 8, 2023

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 8, 2023

Affording College Junior Student Senior Student Using Your 529

The True Costs of College: Financial Aid 101

It is normal for this part of the equation to feel a bit stressful and overwhelming. I have counseled hundreds of students and families over the years to address questions:…

Laura Reisert Kalinkewicz, Ph.D.August 1, 2023

Affording College Senior Student Using Your 529

Applying for Financial Aid

As you are researching where they will apply, you will likely notice the cost differences across all degree-granting institutions. Tuition and fees, books, educational materials (e.g., laptop), technology fees, and…

Oscar Espinoza-Parra, Ph.D.July 29, 2023

Affording College Junior Student Senior Student

What Can Get in the Way of Your Student’s Financial Aid?

While your student should be enthusiastic, feeding off this contagious vibrancy as they prepare to embark on a new academic year, it may be that this momentum of beginning or…

Richie Gebauer, Ed.D.July 10, 2023

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