Starting a 529 plan is one of the smartest ways to save for a child’s college education. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to encourage saving for future education costs. To start one, you simply choose a plan, open an account, name a beneficiary, and begin contributing. This guide walks you through … Read more
To apply for financial aid, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form determines your eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and loans. You can also apply for state aid and scholarships separately. What is the FAFSA and who needs it? The FAFSA is the main application for … Read more
Financial aid due dates vary by type of aid and school, but the most important deadline is for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For the 2026-2027 school year, the FAFSA opened on October 1, 2025, and the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. However, many states and colleges have earlier deadlines, so … Read more
To file for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Most states and colleges also use FAFSA data to award their own aid, so filing is the first and most important step. Who Should File … Read more
If you’re asking “how much in financial aid will I receive?” the short answer is: it depends on your family’s financial situation, the cost of your college, and how many schools you apply to. The federal government, states, and colleges each use formulas to determine your expected family contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI). … Read more
The amount of student financial aid you can receive depends on your family’s financial situation, the cost of attendance at your school, and your enrollment status. In general, the federal government calculates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your FAFSA, and schools use that to award aid up to your financial need. While there is … Read more
Getting financial aid for college starts with understanding the process and meeting key deadlines. The most important step is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens the door to federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. This guide explains exactly how to get financial aid for college, from filling out forms to … Read more
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your ticket to grants, loans, and work-study funds for college. You can apply for the FAFSA starting on October 1 of the year before you plan to attend school. For the 2026-27 academic year, the FAFSA opens on October 1, 2025, and you should submit it … Read more
The deadline for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2026-2027 school year is June 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. However, you should not wait until that date because many states and colleges have earlier deadlines. Missing those earlier deadlines could mean losing out on grants, scholarships, or other financial aid. … Read more
If you’re asking “how long does a FAFSA take to process?” the short answer is: most applications are processed within 3 to 5 days after you submit them. However, the exact time can vary based on how you file, whether you need corrections, and the time of year. In this guide, we’ll break down the … Read more