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Understanding Financial Aid: Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Explained

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Whether youre planning to attend college soon or just thinking about your future, understanding the different types of financial aid you might receive is key to making smart decisions about paying for your education. Heres a few key terms that you need to know when it comes to loans, grants, and work-study!

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Breaking Down Your Financial Aid Letter: What’s Free Money and What’s Not

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Heres your financial aid breakdown: Free Money: Grants and Scholarships Grants and scholarships are the best parts of your financial aid package because they dont require repayment. Make sure to account for these extra costs when evaluating your aid package.

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5 Big FAFSA Updates That Will Impact Your Financial Aid This Year

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

The new rules clarify which students can qualify as independent, particularly those who are veterans, married, or emancipated minors. Increased Pell Grant Eligibility The FAFSA changes also come with an expansion of Pell Grant eligibility. Hopefully this makes higher education more affordable!

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How to Compare Financial Aid Packages and Get the Best Deal for College

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Focus on Grants and Scholarships Grants and scholarships are the best forms of financial aid because you dont have to pay them back. If one school is offering a larger grant, thats free money you dont have to worry about repaying, and it can make a huge difference in the total cost of attendance.

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What to Do When Your College Financial Aid Falls Short of Expectations

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Understand Your Financial Aid Package Review your award letter carefully to ensure you’re fully understanding whats offeredscholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Double-check the accuracy of your financial aid award. This can free up funds for other areas of your education.

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Smart Families Plan Early: Financial Aid Prep You Can Start Today

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

From scholarships and grants to work-study and student loans, theres a lot to understand. Heres a few things you and your family can do to start preparing for financial aid prep now! Trust me, as someone whos helped families navigate this journey, a little prep today can mean a lot less stress tomorrow.

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Commit with Confidence: A Guide to College Enrollment Before May 1st

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Before you commit, make sure youve looked at: Your financial aid package (Whats a grant vs a loan? Which aid is renewable?). Youre not just choosing a campus youre choosing a community, a support system, and a place to grow, learn, and live for the next four years. The total cost of attendance , not just tuition.