Blog

A few weeks ago, a lot of students began to attend school online because of the coronavirus. This is a big change that has been affecting all different types of students all over the globe indefinitely. Adapting to remote learning isn't always easy when you're used to being in the classroom. We hope some of our tips will help you maximize your learning at home during this time!

 

Topics: College Planning, Borrowing for College, Parents and College Planning

Didn’t get as much merit or financial aid as you were hoping for and want to decrease the out of pocket expense coming due this summer on you college tuition bill?  SCHOLARSHIPS!

Topics: Scholarships, Money Management, Applying for Aid

Sounds like a crazy theory, right? I bet your thinking “If I had the money, I wouldn’t have needed a loan!” Well, let’s break it down a bit and it may not be that crazy after all. Just paying back a little could make a big difference.

Topics: Student Loan Repayment, student loans

There’s nothing better than vacation, right? Hopefully your winter break was restful and you are recharged and ready to get back at it.  Adjusting back to those 8 AM classes, a new roommate, and/or a new job isn't always easy, but it's important to get back into a routine so that you don't fall behind on schoolwork and extracurricular activities. But now as you head back to your high school or college campus, we have some tips for you to finish out the year strong!

Topics: College Internships, Post-Graduate Employment, Adulting!, career planning

Yes, refinancing student loans can save you money.  “Can” being the operative word.  Several factors can make refinancing great for some folks and not the best solution for others.  Refinancing student loans can accomplish different goals for different people and in some cases more than one goal can be achieved depending on the individual circumstances.  We have outlined three common goals our customers have conveyed.

Topics: Student Loan Repayment, refinancing, Money Management

As winter vacation and the holidays come to an end, it is time to get back on track when it comes to college planning. January tends to be a slower month for both high school juniors and seniors, resulting in an easy transition back into school mode. But don't let the month pass you by. Be proactive and take the next steps to build a successful future. Stay on track with these timelines and tips.

 College Planning Timeline for Juniors [Infographic] | College Planning Timeline for Seniors [Infographic]

Topics: College Planning

Not the traditional list of shopping, wrapping gifts, baking traditional treats and preparations for winter break get-a-way. This is more of a reminder list to take advantage of some downtown over the holidays to be sure everything is on track for college planning. We’ve put together a quick list for both Seniors and Juniors.

Topics: College Planning, SAT & ACT, Parents and College Planning, Applying for Aid, FAFSA

'Tis the season to talk financial aid and the experts from our College Planning Center have been talking about financial aid with students and families, one-on-one, as well as in group presentations at local high schools almost daily since September and are still going strong.

Topics: College Financial Aid, Financial Education for Students, Parents and College Planning, Applying for Aid

EFC is the acronym for Expected Family Contribution, which answers the question, how much will college cost my family? This is not an easy figure to arrive at, without knowing the factors and figures needed for the formula, but with the help of our EFC Calculator we can walk you through this step-by-step in just a few minutes so you can arrive at an early estimate before receiving your award package.

Topics: College Financial Aid, College Planning, Applying for Aid, FAFSA

The RISLA College Planning Center will once again be hosting FAFSA Completion Events across the state of Rhode Island to help students, parents, and adult learners with completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA, formally known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first step to applying for college financial aid. All schools use this application for awarding federal student aid dollars and many also use it for awarding their own institutional funds. EVERYONE should complete a FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.

Topics: College Financial Aid, College Planning, Parents and College Planning, Applying for Aid, FAFSA