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A Family's Roadmap: Planning for College Year by Year
A Family's Roadmap: Planning for College Year by Year

College planning doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Here's what families should focus on, year by year, from freshman fall through senior spring.

How to Build a $200,000 College Fund Without Changing Your Budget
How to Build a $200,000 College Fund Without Changing Your Budget

How redirecting everyday baby expenses into a 529 college savings account can build serious college savings without changing your lifestyle.

What Is an RA in College? Roles, Responsibilities & Benefits
What Is an RA in College? Roles, Responsibilities & Benefits

Not sure what an RA does or whether it's worth pursuing? Here's what the role involves, what RAs get in return, and how it fits into your overall college cost picture.

What to Do Before College Orientation: A Checklist
What to Do Before College Orientation: A Checklist

Forms, deadlines, and logistics are piling up before move-in day. Here's your complete checklist covering admin, academics, finances, and packing so nothing gets missed.

How to Make Your Summer Count for College Applications
How to Make Your Summer Count for College Applications

Summer is one of the most important stretches of the college-bound years. Here is how to spend it in a way that actually matters to admissions officers, and to you.

Scholarships: Freshman Year - A Strong Foundation for Future Wins
Scholarships: Freshman Year - A Strong Foundation for Future Wins
By: John Varady · Tags: scholarships

Most students wait until senior year to apply for scholarships-then panic. Start in freshman year and you can build the grades, activities, and habits needed to confidently apply and win later.

Why Employers Are Adding College Savings Benefits
Why Employers Are Adding College Savings Benefits

College costs are the number one financial stress for employees with families. Here is why forward-thinking employers are adding tuition benefit programs and what to look for when evaluating them.

How to Read a Financial Aid Award Letter: A Parent's Guide
How to Read a Financial Aid Award Letter: A Parent's Guide

Financial aid award letters are confusing by design. Here's how to read one correctly, spot what's missing, and find your family's true cost.

Advice If You Land on the Waitlist
Advice If You Land on the Waitlist

Being waitlisted isn't a rejection. Here's what it means, what to do next, and how to stay in control of your college decision.

Scholarships Most Students Never Apply For (And How to Find Them)
Scholarships Most Students Never Apply For (And How to Find Them)
By: John Varady · Tags: scholarships

The most competitive scholarships get thousands of applicants. The ones most students overlook get almost none. Here's where to find scholarship money others miss.

Editor’s picks

From the archives

Ten Minute Professor: A Private College May Cost Less Than You Think
Articles & Advice
Ten Minute Professor: A Private College May Cost Less Than You Think

Private college may cost less than you think. Learn how net price, four-year graduation rates, and scholarships can make private education surprisingly affordable.

Read more
A Family's Roadmap: Planning for College Year by Year
Articles & Advice
A Family's Roadmap: Planning for College Year by Year

College planning doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Here's what families should focus on, year by year, from freshman fall through senior spring.

Read more
From Support to Success: The Role of Grandparents in College Readiness
Articles & Advice
From Support to Success: The Role of Grandparents in College Readiness

Grandparents play a vital role in the transition to college. Learning how to best support grandchildren during this exciting time in their lives and prepare them for college and beyond.

Read more
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