Grants Archives - College Countdown

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 DiBenedettoJune 24, 2025

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

Using Your 529

State Treasurer Fiona Ma Appoints Cassandra DiBenedetto

As Executive Director, DiBenedetto will provide policy, program, and technical direction to the SIB for a program with nearly $16 billion in assets under management and nearly 440,000 accounts through…

ScholarShare 529November 12, 2024

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

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.July 8, 2024

Affording College

When 529 Funds Are Not Needed As Planned

The reasons parents find themselves no longer need 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.June 15, 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

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

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