Paying for college often involves combining multiple sources of funding. Scholarships, grants, savings, federal student loans, and other financial aid can reduce education costs, but they don’t always cover the full cost of attendance. If your financial aid package leaves you with remaining education expenses, understanding your financing options can help you make informed decisions. Private student loans may help …
What Is the Cost of Attendance and What Does It Include for Student Loans?
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 …
RAP vs. Standard Repayment Plans: What Borrowers and Parents Should Know
Choosing a student loan repayment plan can affect your monthly budget, how long you’ll be paying, and how much interest you may pay overtime. If you’re comparing repayment options, it helps to understand the difference between a fixed payment plan and one that may adjust based on income. This article focuses on federal student loan repayment options. Private student loans …
SAVE Plan Changes Explained: What Happens Next for Student Loan Borrowers?
Student loan repayment has been anything but stable over the past few years—and now, more changes are impacting borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan. If you’re a student or parent trying to understand what this means for your monthly payments and long-term strategy, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what’s happening, who it affects, and what steps you should take …
Understanding Cost of Attendance for New College Students and Parents
Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA) is crucial for new college students and parents budgeting for 2026. This guide explains COA components, comparisons, financial aid impacts, and proven cost-saving strategies. What is Cost of Attendance? The Cost of Attendance estimates total costs you could pay to attend college for one academic year. Federal law now requires all colleges and universities …
Student Loan Terminology 101: A Simple Guide to Common Terms
If you’re new to student loans, the vocabulary can feel overwhelming fast. This student loan terminology 101 guide breaks down the most common terms in plain English so you can better understand your loan options, repayment responsibilities, and borrowing costs. Why Student Loan Terms Matter Understanding student loan terminology can help you compare loan offers, avoid surprises, and make more …
Grad PLUS Loans Ending: What’s Next for Grad Students?
For years, the Grad PLUS loan program served as the financial bridge between what federal aid covered and what advanced degrees actually cost. That bridge is going away. Few policy changes have rattled graduate financing quite like this one: new Grad PLUS borrowing stops, full stop, and the students caught in the transition range from brand-new applicants to people halfway …
Debt Relief Scams 101: How Student Borrowers Can Outsmart Fake Offers
Earning a college degree is a smart investment but managing loan repayment after graduation requires careful attention. With so many legitimate refinancing and repayment options, it’s easy to get confused, and scammers take advantage of that. The good news is that spotting fake ‘debt relief’ or ‘forgiveness’ offers is easier than you might think. Knowing what to look for can …
4 Myths About Private Student Loan Cosigners
Many students pay for college by using a mix of savings, scholarships, and loans. With private student loans, borrowers may need a cosigner, someone who can help them qualify and possibly get better loan terms. Rather than being risky, cosigning can be a smart way to support a student’s goals and help them start building credit. What a Cosigner Really …
Turning Pocket Change into Payoff: A College Guide
Heading off to college is an exciting prospect for many first-time students — but it can also come with some growing pains. For many college students venturing out on their own, figuring out how to pay for college and being responsible with money is easier said than done. The good news? With a few practical tips in mind, you’ll be …