Tag Archives: paying for college

financial aid, financial planning, in the news, Student debt, student loans

How the One Big Beautiful Bill Changes the Way Families Pay for College in 2026

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one big beautiful bill

For years, many families relied on federal student loans to bridge the gap between financial aid and the true cost of college. If scholarships, grants, savings, and federal student loans weren’t enough, parents often turned to Parent PLUS Loans to cover the remaining balance.

That strategy is about to change.

Starting on July 1, 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces the most significant changes to federal student loans in decades. While many headlines have focused on new loan limits and repayment plans, the real story is how these changes will affect the way families plan, budget, and pay for college.

If you have a child entering college in the next few years, now is the time to rethink your college financing strategy.

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college costs, college guidance, college planning, financial planning

4 Smart Ways to Pay for College

pay for college

It is never too early to start planning for college expenses. Going to college is an important step to level up your children’s academic journey and career prospects, and it can play a major role in their social life and approach to the world. 

However, college comes with high costs: according to estimations, the average cost of college in the United States is $38,270 per student per year! In this guide, we’ll look at ways to prepare your finances for such an important step and give four smart ways to pay for college.

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college costs, financial aid, scholarships

How to Find Scholarships on TikTok: A Smart Guide for Students and Parents

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scholarships on TikTok

If your teen is already spending time on TikTok (and let’s be honest, most are), there’s a great opportunity hiding in all that scrolling.

What if some of that screen time could actually pay for college?

More students are discovering scholarships on TikTok through short videos, quick tips, and real-time opportunities, but knowing how to find legitimate ones is key. Students are finding real opportunities, learning insider tips, and even getting reminders about deadlines, all in quick, digestible videos.

But like any online tool, it works best when you know how to use it wisely.

Let’s break down how your student can find scholarships on TikTok by turning it into a smart, effective scholarship search tool without falling into common traps.

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Resources

Scholarships for College by State

scholarships for college

Many parents and students neglect to search within their own state for scholarships for college. These lists should help you find state-specific scholarships for need or merit-based.

Scholarships.com

Scholarship.com’s scholarship database houses a variety of state scholarships. State scholarships may be offered by state schools, community-based organizations and state-based career initiatives, among others. Students who have lived in one state their entire lives can easily qualify for a state scholarship, and students looking to attend college in a particular state may also be able to win state scholarship awards.

Just like any other scholarships, state scholarships will be both merit and needs-based. Merit scholarships will recognize high school academic achievements and standardized test scores, while needs-based scholarships examine finance and individual ability to pay for college.

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college costs, college planning, financial aid, financial planning, student loans

How America Pays for College

how america pays for college

Families reported spending an average of $30,837 on college during the 2024–25 academic year—up 9% from $28,409 last year and a return to pre-pandemic spending levels, according to “How America Pays for College 2025,” the annual study by Sallie Mae and Ipsos. Family income and savings covered nearly half of costs (48%), followed by scholarships and grants (27%), borrowing (23%), and contributions from family or friends (2%).

For more detailed information beyond the graphic above, you can download the full report here.

financial aid, financial planning, student loans

Private Student Loans: A Smart Option for Parents Bridging the College Funding Gap

private student loans

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.
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admissions, financial aid, parenting, Student debt

When Your Teen Gets Into Their Dream College—But You Can’t Afford It

dream college
Image by Carla Bosteder from Pixabay

When my daughter opened the email, I saw the joy light up her face. Congratulations! She got in. She did it. Her dream college, the one she had been talking about for years, was offering her a spot.

For a moment, everything felt perfect.

I let myself soak in her excitement. I hugged her tightly. I even let myself imagine what it would be like—move-in day, walking around that beautiful campus, wearing the school sweatshirt with pride. I thought about all the years of hard work, the late-night study sessions, the endless applications, the moments of doubt she had overcome. This was supposed to be it.

Then, the financial aid package arrived.

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college costs, college guidance, college planning, financial planning, parenting

Navigating Tough College Decisions: A Parent’s Guide

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tough college decisions

Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions your student will make, but as a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding them through the financial and logistical challenges that come with it. What happens when your child’s college plans don’t match your budget or comfort level? Let’s tackle some common concerns and explore ways to navigate these tough college decisions with your student.

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FAFSA, financial aid, financial planning

Understanding the Nuances of Applying for Financial Aid

Navigating the financial aid process can feel like wading through a maze of forms, deadlines, and unfamiliar terms. It can seem overwhelming for many parents, especially first-time or first-generation college families. But with a little guidance, you can make a significant difference in your student’s ability to afford college. Let’s break it down step by step to help you confidently tackle the process.

1. Know the Key Financial Aid Forms

The first step in applying for financial aid is understanding the forms you must complete. The most common ones include:

  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): This is the gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA information to determine their aid packages.
  • CSS Profile: Some colleges, particularly private institutions, require this additional form to award institutional aid. It digs deeper into your family’s financial situation than the FAFSA.

Make sure to check the requirements for each college your child is applying to and note whether they require just the FAFSA, or both forms.

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financial planning, Student debt, student loans

Tips for Finding the Best Student Loan

student loan
Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

For many students across the country, taking out a student loan is the only way they can afford to get the education they want and need.

While other options, like scholarships or financial aid, are available for students meeting the criteria for others whose parents can help them or can’t cover the entire four-year tuition, student loans can bridge the gap and are a necessary evil.

However, not all student loans are the same. Understanding the financial agreement you’re signing up for and knowing how to find the best student loans can empower you, giving you the control to avoid some of the common pitfalls of student loans and make more informed decisions. So here goes.

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