Loans 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

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 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 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

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

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

4 College-Saving Tips from a Seasoned Pro

Developed from more than two decades of experience in the higher education financial aid space, these tips may make paying for college more bearable. Start Saving Early. Higher education is…

Anna PetersJuly 1, 2025

Senior Student Student Life

5 Tips to Share with Your First-Generation College Student

College is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and make life-changing friends and memories. But since many parents of first-generation college students can’t speak from experience about thriving in college,…

ScholarShare 529June 25, 2025

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