Financial Aid 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

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.October 29, 2025

Affording College Using Your 529

Celebrating the Many Rewards of Saving with a 529 Plan

By way of background, when our now recent grad was born, his father and I were still repaying a significant amount of student loan debt that we had accumulated to…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 20, 2025

Affording College Parenting

The Psychology of Money in the College Search: Rethinking What Success Really Costs

That is why every spring, families celebrate acceptance letters as if they were championship wins. It is a joyful moment, but it can also bring quiet pressure to pick the…

David Q. Hao, MA, JDOctober 12, 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

Parenting Videos

Three Reasons To Talk $$$ With Your Teen

Reasons to talk about saving for college with your teen from college savings advocate, Patricia Roberts. Tips from someone who’s been there–done that. 4974234

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 2, 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

Senior Student Using Your 529 Videos

529 Tax Benefits Explained

How will your kid pay for college when the time comes? Unsurpassed tax benefits for families using a 529 plan can make a real difference. Learn more about the benefits…

ScholarShare 529October 1, 2025

Affording College Junior Student Parenting

5 Reasons to Talk With Your Kid About College Financing Now

As a parent of a high school student, however, there’s no time like the present to have a candid conversation about college costs and the resources you have available to…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.September 24, 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

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

Financial Aid

Trending Posts

Tags

Latest Articles

Categories

About Us

Articles

Timeline

Security Overview

OUR SECURITY PROMISE:

Safeguarding your own information: Account owner security checklist

Protect your account

Protect your computers, cell phone and other mobile devices

Keep your information secure

Practice safe web browsing

Create a strong password

Stay informed on the latest fraud threats

About Identity Theft

Identity theft prevention & protecting your personal information

Safeguarding your information and online transactions strong technologies and technical controls

Username and password requirements

Image verification during login

Security Questions

Customer verification

Strong encryption

Systems surveillance

Firewalls

Logging

Fraud detection

Restricted access to data

Employee education

Regularly refine and update security features