College Debt And Financial Aid

College Debt And Financial Aid In 2019

The topic of college debt comes up in many of the conversations with the FAFSA, the CSS Profile and financial aid consulting clients.  Recently I had the opportunity to speak to Alexa Sauvagere with College Magazine on the and why it is so important to plan your financial aid efforts ahead for a college education.

Since the cost of college continues to dramatically increase, I always recommend that parents start a college fund within 3-6 months after they have their precious child. Many parents procrastinate in the college planning process and are shocked at the fact that they cannot afford to send their child to a college they deserve to attend.

If you would like to know more about our financial aid consulting services and a complimentary assessment of your opportunity to maximize your awards please contact us for a no-obligation review of your FAFSA.

FYI, College Magazine is a great source of college information for students who are currently experiencing campus life across the US.

Debt Management Tips from the Pros – College Magazine

Scholarship System Webinar Financial Aid Interview

I was recently interviewed by Jocelyn Paonita Pearson, Founder of The Scholarship System. We discussed the true aspects of the financial aid process. Topics include the CSS Profile, FAFSA, and the three different formulas that colleges utilize to determine the student’s financial aid award and common mistakes made by families that will shortchange their award.

This is a great resource to better understand the college Financial Aid process because I share information with Jocelyn that the educational system does not share with families. If you would like more information or clarification, contact our staff.

college financial aid webinar 2018

Watch a replay of the Scholarship System Webinar Financial Aid Interview 2018

Forbes Interview FAFSA And The College Financial Aid Process

Recently our founder Ronald had the opportunity to speak with Megan Gorman for her Forbes interview FAFSA and the college financial aid process. We have stated over and over again that families should never procrastinate in the financial aid process. Families need to plan ahead, do their research, and meet deadlines about the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any institutional financial aid forms.

Regarding the FAFSA deadline, families should never go by the Federal deadline. The college’s deadline for FAFSA is the most important here. If you would like more information on how to proceed in the process more efficiently and obtain more financial aid, contact our office.

Forbes.com
What Parents Need To Know About Applying For-FAFSA And The Financial Aid Process

My Interview On Best Options For College Student Loans

college student loans

Recently I had the opportunity to opine on college student loans in a recent article in Student Loan Hero. I continue to highly recommend that families shop around for private loans and consider them before using Federal Direct Loans in that there are better terms out there. Now, with that said, families should always consider utilizing Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans. Why? No accruing of interest during the student’s education!

If you would like to know more how to lower your out of pocket expense for college or learn about resources for scholarships please fill out our contact form for a complimentary consultation.

https://studentloanhero.com/featured/south-dakota-student-loans/

Funding College Education Interview

It was a sincere pleasure to be in the WCCO radio studio for the “Ask The Expert” Funding College Interview.  Topics that were discussed included the CSS Profile, FAFSA, need analysis, campus visits, how to and when to start saving for college, private and Federal educational loans, why to apply to as many colleges as possible, and much more. It’s always my pleasure talking about financial aid topics with Steve Thomson. Great discussion with Steve on the true aspects of the college financial aid process. As always, if you have any questions or want to take advantage of our complimentary consultation, contact us.  Enjoy!

Best Tips For Free Money For College Grant & Scholarships

Best Tips For Free Money For College Grants & Scholarships

I recently had the opportunity to speak to Christy Rakoczy of Student Loan Hero on the best tips for free money for college grants & scholarships. My most important advice here, start early!

College Aid Consulting Services has been lowering the out of pocket cost for college for 25 years. If you would like to take advantage of our free consulting offer please contact us to get started.

“Plenty of students find scholarships and grants. In fact, college students received a total of $125.4 billion in grant money during the 2016-17 academic year, according to College Board.”

Read the full articles at Student Loan Hero
Free Money For College Grants & Scholarships

Women, Education & Scholarships

women education and scholarships

US News & World report reached out to me for my thoughts on women, education & scholarships. Women should definitely explore their options.  If you want professional assistance please contact our office. We have 26 years of experience helping make college more affordable.

Read the article Scholarships for Women Abound
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2017-09-28/scholarships-for-women-abound

10 Ways To Secure A College Tuition Discount

College Tuition Discount

It was a pleasure to speak to Farran Powell with US News & World Report about 10 ways to secure a college tuition discount. Unfortunately many parents and students don’t even think about asking for one. Families should always ask for a tuition discount or waiver especially if they are dealing with special circumstances. If you would like more information on this topic contact, one of our staff.

10 Ways To Get A Tuition Discount
US News & World Report

 

Federal Student Loan Limits 2107 & What You Need To Know

In this interview with Student Loan Hero our founder Ronald Ramsdell discusses Federal student loan limits 2017 and what you need to know. In the article with Elyssa Kirkham, Ronald covers the three most important points parents and students need to know are, families need to plan ahead regarding paying for college resulting in less college debt and more importantly loan debt. Second, the Federal parent PLUS Loan should be the very last option. And third, parents should defiantly shop around at local community banks, major banks and credit unions.

Over the last couple of years we have learned from some of our clients that they have secured private education loans at better terms compared to Federal student loans. If you would like more information regarding loans, FAFSA, CSS Profile or an expert help to better afford a college education, please contact us for a complementary consultation.

Read the article Federal Student Loan Limits on Student Loan Hero now.

The True Cost Of A College Education In 2018

true cost of a college education in 2018

Do you know the true cost of a college education in 2018? Many families don’t and are shocked when they do learn what they will have to pay for their son’s or daughter’s education. Many factors come into play that determines a total cost at a given school. What does a college include or does not include in their total college cost? How much merit aid will be awarded or not awarded? Another big one is the fact many colleges will shrink their offers in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years as I tell GoodCall.

The College Sticker Price vs. the Reduced Net Price
https://www.goodcall.com/news/college-sticker-price-010924

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