CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MARCH 3, 2025

These are typically based on financial need, and can come from the federal government, state government, or even your college. If you qualify for a Pell Grant, you could receive a substantial amount of aid. This is based on your FAFSA application and your familys financial situation. Dont forget to read the fine print!

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

DECEMBER 30, 2024

If you’re planning on attending college and need financial aid, then filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ) is an essential step. But its not just about submitting the FAFSA you need to be aware of the deadlines to make sure you dont miss out on the financial assistance you need.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

If your family is navigating the financial aid process, the timing of your application can impact your financial aid strategy, too. Early Action vs. Regular Decision: The Basics Early action applications are typically due in early November and you hear back by mid-December. It’s also non-binding.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

AUGUST 4, 2025

Application & Financial Aid Deadlines Are Closer Than You Think August is the perfect time to get your calendar in order. Many colleges have early application deadlines as early as October, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens October 1, which seems far away, but trust me, it comes fast.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

As a high school senior, the college application process can feel like a marathon. If you’re looking to gain admission to your dream school without the added pressure of figuring out your financial aid package right away, Early Action might be the perfect choice for you. What Is Early Action?

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JULY 28, 2025

If you’re heading into your second year of college or beyond, now is the time to understand what changes (and what doesn’t) when it comes to your aid. You Have to Reapply Every Year Yes, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) needs to be completed annually. It will help keep college more affordable for you!

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JANUARY 20, 2025

For many high school students, early college applications are a huge milestone. They put in countless hours on essays, interviews, and preparing their application materials, only to face the emotional weight of rejection. Highlight the Wins Encourage your child to focus on what theyve achieved so far.

Application

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

DECEMBER 23, 2024

Submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a huge milestone in the college application process, but its just the beginning of your financial aid journey. After hitting that submit button, a few important things happen behind the scenes to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JUNE 9, 2025

However, it is so important to understand the various acronyms and terms you’ll see in applications, on paperwork, and in your financial aid offer letters. In this guide, I’ll break down some of the most important key financial aid terms you need to know to approach the college process with confidence and clarity!

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JUNE 16, 2025

As a financial aid advisor, I often remind families that waiting until senior year to search for scholarships can mean missed opportunities. You don’t need to spend all summer buried in applications. Here’s a few of my favorite tips for students (of any age!) The good news? It might even turn out to be fun and meaningful!

Scholarship

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MAY 26, 2025

Not only that, but it helps to reduce the stress that often comes with college applications and financial aid. Here are some key steps you can take this summer to set your child up for success: Start the Financial Aid Conversation Early Its never too soon to begin talking about how your family plans to pay for college.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

AUGUST 11, 2025

Students should file the FAFSA on or soon after October 1st, 2025, which is when the application opens. Because, the earlier you complete and file your application, the more likely you are to receive the max amount of aid. Your ID acts as your electronic signature, and you’ll use it to sign and submit your application.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

APRIL 7, 2025

Starting early means youll be prepared when the time comes to submit your applications. Plus, financial aid doesnt just help pay for tuitionit can cover things like books, housing, and meal plans. How to Start Financial Aid Planning Early: Know Your Deadlines Each college or university has its own financial aid deadlines.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JUNE 23, 2025

In between the days at the pool and the late nights under the stars this summer, here’s a few things you can do to prepare for college applications and financial aid this fall! Start with a Financial Aid Check-In Sit down with your family and review where you stand in the college planning process this summer.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JULY 14, 2025

What You Can Do Right Now to Pay for College: Understand the Types of Aid Available Learn the basics of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), CSS Profile, grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. Knowing what each type of aid covers—and who qualifies—will help you make informed decisions.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JULY 21, 2025

Some of these may not be applicable to you if you’re living on campus. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid.

Financial aid

College Aid Services

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

The 2025-26 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools is now available as an online document and an integrated search function for applicants navigating the fafsa.gov website.

Access

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JULY 7, 2025

The college financial aid process doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially if you start early and stay informed. By taking small, manageable steps now, parents and students can reduce stress and feel confident heading into application season.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JUNE 30, 2025

For Rising Seniors and College Students: You can also start looking into scholarships. Many local and private scholarships require separate applications. Summer may not seem like the obvious time to focus on financial aid, but it truly is the secret weapon for busy parents and students.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MAY 19, 2025

In fact, the earlier you begin preparing, the more opportunities you’ll have to reduce college costs and increase your financial options. Heres how you can begin today: Learn the Basics of Financial Aid One of the most important tools in the financial aid process is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Financial aid

IEFA

JANUARY 7, 2025

This article explores these sources of university funding to help students understand how they can sustain their educational pursuits and receive financial aid. Financial aid for students Financial aid bridges the gap between what students can afford and the actual cost of education.

International student

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Completing the FAFSA is one of the first steps that students and families must complete to start their journey to college. Through this application, schools determine how much funding a student is eligible for. This includes federal loans, grants, and work study programs.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MAY 5, 2025

Complete Housing and Orientation Requirements If youre living on campus, watch for housing application deadlines. Dont forget to review your scholarships or extra savings you plan to use to pay. Orientation is also keyits your first real step into college life and often required before registering for classes.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MARCH 31, 2025

But before you get too caught up in the excitement of graduation, lets talk about something thats just as important: college financial aid. If you think financial aid prep starts in the fall of senior year, think again! Its never too early to start getting ready for college financial aid applications.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MAY 12, 2025

Heres a few things you and your family can do to start preparing for financial aid prep now! Get Familiar with the FAFSA The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your key to federal aidand many states and colleges use it too. Even if youre not a senior yet, check it out.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

APRIL 14, 2025

Keep Track of Important Deadlines : Financial aid deadlines vary by college, but the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) typically opens on October 1 each year. Starting early will help you stay on top of deadlines and avoid missing out on potential aid.

Financial aid

College Aid Services

MARCH 17, 2025

Federal Student Aid has announced that CaseTeams@ed.gov will now serve as a centralized mailbox to address issues regarding the completion of the Application for Approval to Participate in the Federal Student Financial Aid Programs (E-App) and general school eligibility inquiries.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JANUARY 27, 2025

For many high school students, applying to colleges is an exciting and stressful experience. After months of preparation, submitting applications, and eagerly awaiting results, the last thing any teen expects is rejection. Rejection – in any form- can feel like a crushing blow. Remind your child that this isnt personal.

Financial aid

College Aid Services

OCTOBER 30, 2024

The 2025-26 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools is now available as an online document and an integrated search function for applicants navigating the fafsa.gov website.

Access

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

MARCH 25, 2024

Education Department (ED) said it has discovered a calculation error in student financial aid applications sent to colleges this month and will need to reprocess them, potentially continuing delays for college applications.

Financial aid

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

MARCH 7, 2024

Two political leaders allege that a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form error is preventing students with contributors, including parents and spouses, who do not have a Social Security Number from completing the U.S. However, contributors without SSNs still cannot complete their part of the application.

FAFSA

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

APRIL 20, 2023

We have collaborated with the State Board to introduce completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a graduation requirement, which greatly increases the odds a student will apply to college. Of course, many have rightfully said that access without success is an empty promise.

Guided pathways

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

MARCH 13, 2024

This year, helping her high school seniors through the newly simplified FAFSA application process has been more stressful than simple. Iné Collins has been a school counselor at Ewing High School in New Jersey since August 2022. Iné Collins, school counselor at Ewing High School in New Jersey.

FAFSA

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Could future applicants be prevented from speaking fully about their racial identities? Could it prevent DEI offices from funding ethnic student resource centers and programs? Coleman was peppered with questions about what might happen and the potential implications. Could a decision impact eligibility for scholarships?

Financial aid administration

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

OCTOBER 14, 2024

The world of financial aid can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is one of the most important for students and families to file, if not the most important form to be completed.

FAFSA

EAB

JUNE 13, 2023

Podcast Will FAFSA Simplification Make Life Easier for Colleges and Applicants? EAB’s Kathy Ruby and Madeleine Rhyneer explore changes to FAFSA forms themselves and to how the federal government calculates eligibility for student financial aid. EAB · Will FAFSA Simplification Make Life Easier for Colleges and Applicants?

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

OCTOBER 21, 2024

This time of year means that college applications are in full swing for high school seniors! There’s paperwork to submit, essays to write, and financial aid applications to send in. For the 2025-2026 application cycle, the FAFSA will come online in December. You may never know what aid your student can receive!

FAFSA