For many families, even after financial aid, scholarships, and federal loans are applied, there’s still a gap between what college costs and what’s covered. That’s where private student loans can be a helpful solution. While they often get a bad reputation, private loans can be a valuable tool for parents who want to support their child’s education—especially when used thoughtfully and strategically.
The Benefits of Private Student Loans
Closing the Funding Gap: Private loans allow families to cover costs that federal loans and savings can’t. This ensures your child doesn’t have to compromise on the right school or program simply because of finances.
Potentially Lower Rates: Parents with strong credit can often qualify for competitive, even lower, interest rates compared to federal Parent PLUS loans. This can save significant money over the life of the loan.
Flexible Amounts: Unlike federal loans, which have borrowing limits, private loans often allow you to borrow enough to cover the full cost of attendance.
Fast Processing: Many private lenders offer quick approvals and disbursements, which can ease the stress of looming tuition deadlines.
Customizable Repayment Options: Some lenders offer a range of repayment plans, including options to make interest-only payments while your child is in school, helping keep balances manageable.
We all want our kids to thrive in college, not just survive it. But between adjusting to campus life away from home and managing demanding course loads, students often find themselves overwhelmed. It’s okay if your kid finds that they need a little extra help.
One way to make sure students can excel in difficult classes, like physics, chemistry, and calculus, is to set them up for success with the right study tools. An online academic support platform designed specifically for college students called CramBetter is quickly gaining popularity as a more effective way to study.
Watching your child leave for college brings a mix of pride and worry, which is completely natural as a parent.
It is a significant shift for everyone involved, from you as parents, your child who is leaving, and any other children you have at home.
Daily routines change. Conversations become less frequent. You want to support your child but also help them become independent.
Think of it like teaching your child to drive. At some point, they steer on their own. With precise planning and communication, this transition can be easier for both of you.
If you’re the parent of a college-bound student, you’ve probably had a few sleepless nights wondering: How are we going to afford this? Between rising tuition, student loan anxiety, and the pressure to launch into the workforce quickly, the traditional four-year degree may feel out of step with today’s realities.
When it comes to college prep, parents usually focus on grades, test scores, and application deadlines. But there’s another area that’s becoming increasingly relevant and sometimes overlooked: your teen’s social media presence. College admissions officers aren’t just reading essays and transcripts. In some cases, they’re Googling applicants and checking out what’s publicly available online.
So, what should parents know about the role of social media and college admissions, and how can you help your teen put their best digital foot forward?
Hailing from the shores of California to the rolling hills of New York, this year’s Stuck at Prom® contestants are turning up the style with prom looks crafted entirely out of Duck Tape®. Today, Duck® Brand announces the top 10 finalists of its 25th annual contest, which challenges teens to create promwear out of duct tape for a chance to win college scholarships.
Competing against nearly 150 entries by teens from across the United States and Canada, the 10 potential grand prize winners are driving the next generation of DIY couture. The top trends? Corset silhouettes, dramatic trains and avant-garde accessories, like sculpted headpieces and custom clutches. Students pulled inspiration from fairytales, nature, pop culture and the runway, mixing bold colors with vibrant patterns to create eye-catching designs.
Summer break is here! While it’s a much-needed breather from the stress of the school year, it can also lead to a tremendous amount of downtime. If you’re the parent of a high school student, especially one heading into junior or senior year, you’ve probably heard the “I’m bored” chorus more than once already.
The good news? Summer offers a golden opportunity to help your teen make meaningful progress on their college journey without feeling like it’s all work and no fun. Here are some smart, low-stress ways to help your teen fight summer boredom while also easing their transition into college planning.
It’s been a few years since my daughter graduated from college. Like many students, she collected dozens of t-shirts: from campus clubs, fundraisers, sorority events, memorable trips, concerts, and shirts that described who she is. Each one held a memory, but they were all gathering dust in a closet. They had some wear and tear but she couldn’t bear to part with them—too many memories.
That’s when I discovered Project Repat. They take well-loved t-shirts and transform them into a custom t-shirt quilt—practical, personal, and absolutely full of heart.
For students, the benefits of extracurriculars include enhancing their college resume and helping them explore other interests. There are numerous career opportunities available, but unfortunately, not everything discussed in school is covered beyond the school curriculum.
That’s why extracurriculars are important for student success, especially if some students don’t really find much enjoyment in learning what’s being taught in the classroom.
With that in mind, here are some of the benefits of extracurricular activities that help with student success at any age.
When your child turns 18 and heads off to college, it marks a big milestone—for both of you. They’re gaining independence, starting a new chapter, and legally becoming an adult. But here’s something many parents don’t realize until it’s too late: once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their medical, financial, or academic information—even in emergencies.
To stay informed and be able to step in if needed, it’s smart to have a few important legal documents in place before move-in day. Here are legal documents every family should consider when sending a young adult off to college.
