Across the country, millions of high school seniors and their families are debating a big question: Which college? Which college should I go to? Which college is best for me? I’d like to propose a better question: Why college? Rather than picturing your student on this campus versus that one, try picturing them as an adult, going about their life…

College admissions offers are here, and with them, financial aid awards. No matter how generous the award, chances are good that you’re still thinking, “Wow, this is EXPENSIVE!” If that’s you, here’s some good news: It’s OK to ask for more. More good news: about 3/4 of financial aid appeals result in the student receiving additional aid, according to Sallie…

March means acceptance letters are arriving—and that means it’s time to start interpreting financial aid award letters. With ongoing uncertainty around federal education policy and student loans, it’s more important than ever to make thoughtful financial decisions about college. For most families, cost plays a major role in the final college decision. But comparing financial aid offers can feel like…

One provision of last year’s OBBBA created a new account type: the 530A, sometimes called a “Trump Account.” It’s being promoted as a way to save for college, a first home, or retirement. But what exactly is it—and does it make sense for college savings? What Is a 530A? A 530A is a new IRA-style account for children under 18….

If your financial aid award includes work-study, it’s important to understand what it actually is — and what it isn’t. Work-study falls under the “self-help” category of financial aid. It’s not free money. Instead, it’s an opportunity to earn money through a qualifying on- or off-campus job. You only receive those funds if you find a job and work during…