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January 22, 2024

Navigating Financial Aid at the 20 Most Searched Colleges and Universities

Navigating Financial Aid at the 20 Most Searched Colleges and Universities. Choosing a college is a significant decision, and understanding the financial aid options available can be just as crucial as selecting a major. With the rising cost of higher education, many students and their families are concerned about affordability and are completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile to help offset the expense.

As a financial aid consultant, I’ve noticed a trend in the most searched colleges and universities—an indication of where students are hoping to invest their futures. Here, we’ll dive into what interest in these schools could mean for students seeking financial aid and how partnering with a financial aid advisor could be your ticket to unlocking more funding opportunities.

1. University of California, Irvine (UCI)

UCI is known for its strong research programs and diverse student body. Financial aid here is comprehensive, offering scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.

2. University of California System (UCS)

The UCS encompasses several campuses, each with its own aid programs. Aid packages typically include federal, state, and institutional funds.

3. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

UCSB’s picturesque campus and robust academic offerings are attractive. Financial aid often includes merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students.

4. University of Central Florida (UCF)

UCF is one of the largest universities by enrollment. It provides a
variety of financial aid options, including the Pegasus Scholarship
program for incoming freshmen.

5. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

UCSD’s financial aid office assists students through grants, loans, and scholarship resources, with an emphasis on supporting low-income students.

6. Houston Community College (HCC)

HCC offers an affordable entry into higher education, with financial aid options geared toward transfer students and those in certificate programs.

7. Louisiana State University (LSU)

LSU offers a variety of aid, including scholarships for residents, non-residents, and international students, as well as need-based options.

8. Washington University in St. Louis (WUG)

Known for its generous financial aid, WUG meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students, a significant draw for applicants.

9. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)

UC Davis is committed to sustainability and provides a range of financial aid options, including grants for students in the agricultural and environmental sciences.

10. University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)

UCSC’s financial aid includes the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, covering tuition for California residents whose families earn less than a set income threshold.

11. Harvard University

As an Ivy League institution, Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans, making it more accessible than many assume.

12. Kennesaw State University (KSU)

KSU offers financial aid to a diverse student population, with programs like the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships for Georgia residents.

13. Yale University

Yale’s financial policies are designed to make education affordable, meeting 100% of demonstrated need with a no-loan policy for families with certain incomes.

14. Northeastern University

Northeastern provides a variety of aid, including grants, scholarships, and work opportunities, with a focus on experiential learning programs.

15. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley)

Berkeley’s financial aid program is robust, offering the Middle Class Access Plan to help middle-income Californian families.

16. Baylor University

Baylor is a private university with a range of financial aid options, including scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

17. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech offers financial aid to both in-state and out-of-state students, with a focus on scholarships for STEM majors.

18. Howard University

Howard is a historically black university with a range of financial aid programs designed to support diversity and academic excellence.

19. Northwestern University

Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, with grants, scholarships, and work-study options.

20. University of Chicago (UChicago)

UChicago’s financial aid initiatives include the Odyssey Scholarship Program, aimed at eliminating loans for low-income families.

The Trend and Its Implications

The prevalence of these institutions in searches signals a desire for quality education alongside financial feasibility. Students are actively seeking out institutions known for generous aid programs, a reflection of the increasing financial burden of college costs.

Why Partner with a Financial Aid Advisor?

Navigating the financial aid process can be complex and overwhelming.

A financial aid advisor can help you:

  1. Understand the Different Types of Aid: From grants to work-study programs, understand what’s available and how to apply.
  2. Maximize Your Aid Package: Learn strategies to increase your eligibility for aid and receive the best possible offer.
  3. Navigate the Application Process: Get assistance with filling out the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and other necessary documents accurately and on time. Explore Scholarships: Uncover lesser-known scholarships and learn how to craft winning applications.
  4. Negotiate Aid Offers: Learn the art of financial aid appeal to potentially secure more funding.

Take Action for Your Financial Future

In a sea of rising tuition fees and complex aid packages, a financial aid advisor is your lighthouse. Don’t navigate these waters alone. With professional guidance, you can uncover the full spectrum of financial aid opportunities at these top-searched colleges and universities.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of financial aid? Fill out our Complimentary Consultation Form and start the process to chart the course to your academic and financial success together!

Contact our team of experienced college Financial Aid experts today and increase your chances of receiving the aid you need to make your educational dreams a reality.

Filed Under: Appealing Financial Aid Awards, College Life, CSS Profile, FAFSA
July 25, 2023

Top 10 FAFSA Tips for Divorced Parents in 2024

FAFSA and Divorced Parents Advice 2020

Discover our Top 10 FAFSA Tips for Divorced Parents in 2024—expert guidance tailored for navigating college financial aid. These insights stem from frequent inquiries and our seasoned experience in aiding divorced parents with the FAFSA.

As a divorced parent, applying for college financial aid for your child can be a complex and overwhelming process. You may have questions about how your divorce will impact your child’s eligibility for financial aid or concerns about how to navigate the process as a single parent.

  1. Understand Custody Arrangements
    When applying for college financial aid, it’s important to understand how custody arrangements can impact your child’s eligibility. Financial aid applications typically require information about the custodial parent’s income and assets. If you have joint custody, the custodial parent for financial aid purposes is the one with whom the child lived for the majority of the year. If the child spends an equal amount of time with both parents, the custodial parent is the one who provides the most financial support.
  2. Complete the FAFSA
    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most common application for financial aid. Both parents’ income and assets are reported on the FAFSA, even if divorced and/or remarried. It’s important to note that the custodial parent’s income and assets have a more significant impact on the student’s eligibility for need-based aid. Be sure to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, as some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
  3. Consider the CSS Profile
    In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges require the CSS Profile for financial aid. The CSS Profile may require more detailed financial information, including information about child support payments and non-custodial parent income and assets. It’s important to check with each college to determine the required forms.
  4. Non-Custodial Parent Waiver
    If the non-custodial parent is unwilling to provide their financial information, the custodial parent may be able to request a non-custodial parent waiver from the college’s financial aid office. This waiver allows the custodial parent to submit the FAFSA or CSS Profile without the non-custodial parent’s financial information. However, not all colleges offer non-custodial parent waivers, and the waiver process can be complicated, so it’s essential to check with each college for their specific requirements.
  5. Understand Child Support Payments
    Child support payments received by the custodial parent are not reported as income on the FAFSA. However, child support payments made by the custodial parent to the non-custodial parent are considered part of the custodial parent’s income. It’s important to understand how child support payments factor into the financial aid equation and to report this information on financial aid applications accurately.
  6. Discuss and Plan with Your Ex-Spouse
    It’s important to communicate with your ex-spouse about their college financial responsibilities and discuss the financial aid application process and any questions or concerns you may have. While it can be challenging to navigate these conversations, working together can help ensure that your child receives the financial support they need for college.
  7. Consider Tax Credits
    Divorced parents should also consider who will claim the child as a dependent on their tax return. The parent who claims the child as a dependent may be eligible for tax credits, such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit, which can help offset the cost of college. It’s important to review the tax implications of college expenses and to determine the best strategy for claiming tax credits.
  8. Explore Scholarship Opportunities
    In addition to financial aid, there may be scholarship opportunities available for divorced parents and their children. These scholarships may be offered by colleges, private organizations, or community groups. Research scholarship opportunities early in the college planning process to maximize your chances of securing additional funding.
  9. Seek Professional Advice
    Navigating college financial aid as a divorced parent can be complex and overwhelming. Consider seeking the advice of a financial advisor or college planning professional who can help you understand your options and navigate the process.
  10. Stay Informed
    Finally, it’s important to stay informed about changes to college financial aid policies and regulations. The financial aid landscape is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date on changes can help you make informed decisions about college financial planning.

Remember, every family’s situation is unique, so it’s important to do your research, ask questions, and seek guidance when needed. With careful planning and preparation, you can help ensure your child receives the financial support they need to achieve their college dreams.

Understanding custody arrangements, completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile, considering non-custodial parent waivers, understanding child support payments, communicating and planning with your ex-spouse, exploring tax credits and scholarship opportunities, seeking professional advice, and staying informed can all help you make the best decisions for your child’s college financial future.

In summary, navigating the college financial aid process as a divorced parent in 2024 can be complex. We hope, with our “Top 10 FAFSA Tips for Divorced Parents,” we hope you have a better understand of the application process.

If you would like more information on the FAFSA and financial aid as a divorced parent, please contact our office for a complimentary consultation and to discuss your options.

Filed Under: Divorced Parents, FAFSA
March 9, 2023

2024 College Financial Aid Costs; What You Need To Know

2024 College Financial Aid Costs; What You Need To Know. Recently, we have been receiving feedback from parents who are disappointed in colleges misrepresenting their bottom-line costs. This is also highlighted in a recent story from NPR College financial aid letters mislead and confuse, with real consequences.

When searching for financial aid for college, it’s important to be aware that many college websites are posting outdated total costs (including tuition, room and board, and fees) that can date back to previous years. We are also finding financial aid offers may feature an inaccurate comprehensive fee.

Colleges that require the CSS Profile may use one of two formulas to calculate an institutional EFC, which is a crucial factor in determining a fair financial aid award but may not be included in the offer. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an FAFSA advisor, who can help navigate the process of financial aid assistance. Utilizing a financial aid consultant is especially important for students from divorced families, who may face additional challenges when filling out the FAFSA.

By being proactive and working with an experienced financial aid consultant, students and parents can ensure they have a clear understanding of the financial aid process and receive the best possible financial aid award.

We invite you to take advantage of our free assessment to understand 2024 college financial aid costs and opportunities fully. Contact us to schedule time that works for you.

Filed Under: CSS Profile, FAFSA, News
January 26, 2023

What Are The Responsibilities FAFSA Preparer?

Many people who inquire about our Financial Aid advisor services want to know what the responsibilities of a FAFSA preparer are. College Aid Consulting Services are FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) preparer experts who assist individuals and families in completing the FAFSA form, which is required for most students to be eligible for financial aid for college. The FAFSA form determines a student’s eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Our responsibilities to complete the FAFSA preparer may include:

  1. Meeting with students and families to gather information and documents needed to complete the FAFSA form, such as tax returns and other financial information.
  2. Assisting students and families in understanding the financial aid process and the types of aid available to them.
  3. Explaining the various deadlines and requirements for submitting the FAFSA form and other financial aid applications.
  4. Preparing and submitting the FAFSA form on behalf of the student or family.
  5. Review and verify the accuracy of the information on the FAFSA form.
  6. Communicating with financial aid offices at colleges and universities to ensure that financial aid awards are appropriate based on  FAFSA information and to answer any questions that may arise.
  7. Providing guidance and support to students and families throughout the financial aid process.
  8. Keeping updated with the current regulations and laws that govern financial aid and making sure that the clients are informed about the same.

NOTE: It is important to note that not all the people who are designated as FAFSA preparers are experienced professionals. If you don’t work with College Aid Consulting Services, make sure to ask for qualifications and references.

College Aid Consulting Services is offering a FREE consultation to show you how we can increase your financial aid and reduce the out-of-pocket expense for your student’s college education. Contact us now to get started!

Filed Under: FAFSA
September 14, 2022

Adding Schools After Completing FAFSA

Adding Schools After Completing FAFSA

Adding schools after completing FAFSA? This is the best way to add additional colleges and universities to the FAFSA application.

We know filling out your FAFSA, especially for the first time, can be a confusing process. Add to that the pressure of picking a college to attend, and you may be so overwhelmed that you fail to include a potential school. In some cases, you may even change your mind altogether and choose to apply to a college altogether.

If you need to add a college after submitting the FAFSA, simply log into your FAFSA online and add a new school or school code. Just be sure to make any FAFSA corrections as soon as possible so that you don’t hinder your chances of receiving the maximum amount of aid possible.

To update your school codes, access your FAFSA® online and follow the steps below.

  1. Login with an FSA ID or with student information at fafsa.gov.
  2. Find and select the option to “Make FAFSA Corrections.” Then, enter your FSA ID or personal information.
  3. Depending on whether you logged in using your FSA ID or your personal information, you will be prompted to enter your FSA ID and create a save key or just create a save key.
  4. Click “next” on the FAFSA correction home screen.
  5. Locate the “School Selection” page with the school codes and enter the school’s name in the search bar to bring up its code in the database.
  6. You will need to know the state in which the college is located as well as its full name or city to bring up an accurate result.
  7. Click on the appropriate code and make sure the school is displayed in your list of schools before submitting the corrections. After you’ve verified that the information is correct, click the ‘next’ button.

    Note: If you log into your FAFSA.gov account and you see that your form is “still processing,” as pictured below, you will have to wait until your form finishes processing before you can add schools. (Learn more about how long it takes FAFSA to process here.)
  8. Click on “Sign & Submit” in the top navigation, preview your changes, and click submit. After you submit the new school, you will see a notification that your application is processing.
  9. When your FAFSA updates finish processing, you will get an email notification, and then when you log in, you will see the option to add correction.

Important Limit Of 10 Colleges

No more than 10 colleges can be listed on the FAFSA at any given time, so adding more than 10 will overwrite a previous code.

If you feel you need to apply to more than 10 schools, there is a way to get around the limit by choosing which school codes to delete when adding additional ones.

When filling out the FAFSA, we recommend you add in-state public colleges first,
as this is the best way to be considered for state grants.

  1. Follow up with any colleges that have earlier financial aid deadlines.
  2. Submit your FAFSA.
  3. Wait for your Student Aid Report (SAR), as this indicates the colleges
  4. you listed have received your information.
  5. After receiving the SAR, log in to your FAFSA and delete the original
  6. school list.
  7. Create a new school list and then re-submit your FAFSA.
  8. If you’re applying to more schools, wait to receive your SAR again,
  9. Repeat the process for a new batch of schools.

You can also add colleges using the data release number (DRN) located on your SAR. Simply supply this number to the college’s financial aid department, and the school will pull up your FAFSA® information.

The FAFSA process makes it easy to add schools to your application even after submitting it. No matter how many schools you add, be sure to reach out to each financial aid department directly to see if you need to supply additional documentation before receiving your award letter.

College Aid Consulting Services is a full-service financial aid advisor as FAFSA preparers and CSS profile consultants. We help our clients qualify for more college financial aid and lower out-of-pocket expenses for families. Contact us today for a FREE consultation to show you how we can help you.

Filed Under: FAFSA
September 1, 2016

New 2016 FAFSA Financial Aid Changes

Here are some new 2016 FAFSA financial aid changes you need to be aware of. Families can now file the FAFSA as early as October 1st 2016 for the 2017-18 academic year using the “prior-prior” tax information. So next year, students will file two FAFSAs using 2015 tax information. In addition, The College Board is also on board (pun intended) with the new date pertaining to the CSS Profile which is required at many private colleges. There are a couple of things to note here.

One is that the new change may not benefit some families and two, families need to know that different colleges will have different deadlines for both FAFSA and Profile.

In addition, families should never go by the Federal deadline for the FAFSA which is June 30 2017. If they do, they will miss out on the good aid.

If you would like more information and clarification on these changes, please contact our office.

Filed Under: FAFSA
September 30, 2015

FAFSA Financial Aid Fedreral & State Deadlines 2016

Federal FAFSA Deadlines

You can file a FAFSA for the 2016-2017 school year between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017. Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time on June 30, 2017. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time on September 17, 2017.

However, if you’re applying to college this year, you should submit your FAFSA in early 2016 to meet state and college deadlines and to maximize the amount of aid you can receive.

Starting next year, you’ll be able to file the FAFSA as early as October for the following year. We’ll have to wait and see whether states and colleges change their deadlines in response to this recent development. For the purposes of this article, I’ll be focusing on the deadlines to receive financial aid for the 2016-2017 academic year.

State Deadlines FAFSA Deadlines

FAFSA deadlines vary for each state to be eligible for state-sponsored financial aid. Generally, state deadlines have remained the same from year to year. A number of states ask you to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. Then, financial aid is awarded until the state funds are depleted. Therefore, it’s essential to submit your FAFSA early if you live in one of these states.

Below I have listed all of the state deadlines for the FAFSA for the 2015-2016 school year. As I previously mentioned, these deadlines tend to stay the same. This information was taken directly from the FAFSA website.

Alabama – Check with your financial aid administrator
Alaska – Alaska Performance Scholarship- June 30th
Arizona – Check with your financial aid administrator
Arkansas – Arkansas Challenge- June 1st by midnight Central Time. Workforce Grant- Check with your financial aid administrator. Higher Education Opportunity Grant- June 1st by midnight Central Time
California- For many state financial aid programs- March 2nd- date postmarked. Cal Grant also requires submission of a school certified GPA by March 2nd. Applicants are encouraged to obtain proof of mailing their GPA and to retain a copy of their GPA form. For additional community college Cal Grants – September 2nd – date postmarked. If you are a non-citizen holding a Social Security card issued through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or for some other work authorization, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application found at www.caldreamact.org. Do NOT fill out a FAFSA. Contact the California Student Aid Commission (www.csac.ca.gov) or your financial aid administrator for more information.

Colorado – Check with your financial aid administrator
Connecticut – February 15th. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified. Additional form may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.
Delaware – April 15th by midnight Central Time
District of Columbia- FAFSA completed by April 1st. For DCTAG, complete the DCOneApp and submit supporting documents by April 30th.
Florida – May 15th- date processed
Georgia – Check with your financial aid administrator
Guam – Check with your financial aid administrator. Reminder that additional form may be required
Hawaii – Check with your financial aid administrator. Reminder that additional form may be required
Idaho – Opportunity Grant- March 1st by midnight, Central Time. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified. Additional form may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or state agency.
Illinois – As soon as possible after January 1st. Awards made until funds are depleted.
Indiana – March 10th by midnight, Central Time
Iowa – July 1st by midnight, Central Time. Earlier priority deadlines may exist for certain programs. Additional form may be required.
Kansas – April 1st by midnight, Central Time. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified. Additional form may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.
Kentucky – As soon as possible after January 1st. Awards are made until funds are depleted.
Louisiana – July 1st recommended
Maine – May 1st by midnight, Central Time
Marshall Islands – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required.
Maryland – March 1st by midnight, Central Time
Massachusetts – May 1st by midnight, Central Time. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified.
Michigan – March 1st by midnight, Central Time
Minnesota – 30 days after term starts by midnight, Central Time
Mississippi – MTAG and MESG Grants- September 15th by midnight, Central Time. HELP Scholarship- March 31st by midnight, Central Time.
Missouri- April 1st by midnight, Central Time
Montana – March 1st by midnight, Central Time. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified.
Nebraska – Check with your financial aid administrator
Nevada – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required
New Hampshire – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required
New Jersey – Tuition Aid Grant recipients- June 1st by midnight, Central Time. All other applicants- October 1st by midnight, Central Time for fall and spring terms; March 1st by midnight, Central Time, for spring term only.
New Mexico – Check with your financial aid administrator
New York – June 30th by midnight, Central Time. Additional Form may be required
North Carolina As soon as possible after January 1st. Awards made until funds are depleted.
North Dakota April 15th by midnight, Central Time. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified. Earlier priority deadlines may exist for institutional programs.
N. Mariana Islands
Check with your financial aid administrator

Additional form may be required

Ohio – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required
Oklahoma – March 1st by midnight, Central Time. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified.
Oregon – OSAC Private Scholarships- March 1st. Oregon Opportunity Grant- As soon as possible after January 1st. Awards made until funds are depleted.
Palau – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required
Pennsylvania – All first-time applicants enrolled in a: community college; business/trade/technical school; hospital school of nursing; designated Pennsylvania Open-Admission institution; or non-transferable two-year program – August 1st by midnight, Central Time. All other applicants- May 1st by midnight, Central Time
Puerto Rico – Check with your financial aid administrator
Rhode Island – March 1st by midnight, Central Time. For priority consideration, submit application by date specified.
South Carolina – Tuition Grants- June 30th by midnight, Central Time. SC Commission on Higher Education Need-Based Grants- As soon as possible after January 1st. Awards made until funds are depleted.
South Dakota – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required
Tennessee – State Grant- Prior-year recipients receive award if eligible and apply by March 1st. All other awards made to neediest applicants until funds are depleted. State Lottery- fall term, September 1st by midnight, Central Time; spring and summer terms, February 1st by midnight, Central Time
Texas – Check with your financial aid administrator
US Virgin Islands – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required
Utah – Check with your financial aid administrator
Vermont – As soon as possible after January 1st. Awards made until funds are depleted. Additional form may be required.
Virginia – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required
Washington – As soon as possible after January 1st. Awards made until funds are depleted.
West Virginia – PROMISE Scholarship- March 1st. New applicants must submit additional information at www.cfwv.com . Contact your financial aid administrator or state agency. WV Higher Education Grant Program- April 15th
Wisconsin – Check with your financial aid administrator
Wyoming – Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional form may be required

Filed Under: FAFSA
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