Guides

Everything you need to navigate college costs and financial aid

Plain-English guides on FAFSA, financial aid offers, student loans, and the real cost of college — no signup, no lead forms, just the facts.

All guides
Financial Aid

FAFSA Deadlines 2026-2027: The Complete Guide to Every Filing Date That Matters

There are three FAFSA deadlines, not one — and the federal deadline almost never matters. Here's the one that actually determines your aid.

7 min read Read →
Financial Aid

How to Compare Financial Aid Offers Side by Side (Without Getting Fooled)

Two schools can offer the same dollar amount of "aid" with wildly different real costs. Here's how to see through the formatting tricks.

6 min read Read →
Student Loans

Student Loan Repayment Options Explained: What's Changing and What to Do

The SAVE plan is gone and two new repayment plans launch July 1, 2026. Here's what's changing and what stays the same.

8 min read Read →
College Costs

Net Price vs. Sticker Price: Why the "Cost" of College Isn't What You Think

The price on a college's website and the price most families actually pay can differ by tens of thousands of dollars.

6 min read Read →
Coming soon

Merit Scholarships: How They Actually Work

What schools really look for, and how to ask for more.

Coming soon

Community College Transfer: The 2+2 Savings Path

How transferring can cut your degree cost by tens of thousands.

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