When planning for college, students and parents often focus on tuition. However, tuition is only one part of the overall cost of attendance (COA). Understanding the cost of attendance can help families estimate how much financial aid may be available and determine what expenses may need to be covered throughout the academic year. What Is Cost of Attendance? The cost …
Do You Need to Complete FAFSA Before Getting a Private Student Loan?
If you’re planning how to pay for college, you may be wondering whether you need to complete the FAFSA® before applying for a private student loan. While FAFSA completion may not be required by every private lender, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) can help students and families understand what federal financial aid may be available before …