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☆ The 2025-26 FAFSA is open ahead of schedule — here's why it's important to file for college aid early
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

This week, the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid expanded its "phased rollout" so all students can now apply for aid for the upcoming academic year. Up until Monday, the 2025-26 FAFSA was only available to limited groups of students in a series of beta tests that began on Oct. 1. Now, the form is open to all and the Department of Education has said it will be out of testing entirely by Nov. 22 — which puts the official launch ahead of schedule. This year, the plan was to be available to all students and contributors on or before Dec. 1. Students who submit a form during this final "expanded beta" phase before Nov. 22 will not need to submit a subsequent 2025–26 FAFSA form, the Education Department said.

Persons: FAFSA, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Federal Student Aid, Department of Education, Education Department, Finance

☆ The 2025-26 FAFSA is open ahead of schedule—how to apply for aid
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Just ahead of the official Dec. 1 launch date, the Department of Education announced all students and families can now access the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Select students and families were invited to fill out the 2025-26 FAFSA starting on Oct. 1 as part of a beta testing period. The application is still in beta testing as the department ensures it still functions successfully with a greater influx of applicants. But those who submit a form now while in beta mode will not need to submit another application after Dec. 1. "Students who submit a FAFSA form during any beta period…will be able to make any needed corrections to the form and will not need to submit a subsequent 2025–26 FAFSA form."

Persons: studentaid.gov Organizations: Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

☆ I'm a single mom with 2 kids in college. My divorce devastated me financially, so I feel guilty I can't help with their tuition.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Amber Campbell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementI had to pay my way through college, so I looked forward to helping my daughters pay for school. My financially devastating divorce made it impossible to help them as much as I planned. I feel guilty that I can't help them, but I'm trying my best. As a first-generation college student, earning a bachelor's degree completely changed my life. I feel guilty for not being able to help my college-age daughtersSo it's hard not to feel guilty that I can't support them more financially.

Persons: They're, they're Organizations: Citadel Locations: Seattle

☆ FAFSA rollout is 'on track,' despite remaining unresolved issues, Education Department says
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-30 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The "phased rollout" of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid is on track for the upcoming academic year, the U.S. Department of Education says. So far, the 2025-26 FAFSA has been available to limited groups of students in a series of beta tests that began on Oct. 1. It will become available to all students and contributors on or before Dec. 1, the Education Department said. As of Oct. 29, the government's FAFSA Issues page lists 22 unresolved issues, down from 25 a few weeks ago, he said. "We've made a lot of progress resolving those issues and we are now seeing more students able to complete their form."

Persons: James Kvaal, Mark Kantrowitz, We've, Kvaal Organizations: Federal Student, U.S . Department of Education, Education Department, Education, CNBC, Finance, Ivy League

☆ I taught college-bound seniors for a decade. Here's what many wanted their parents to know about college admissions.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-29 | by ( Alexandra Frost | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Most students want their parents to know that they are stressed about paying for college, too. AdvertisementI was a teacher for 10 years, and many high school students would take refuge in my classroom during lunchtime. AdvertisementKids want to choose their major and don't want parents' inputIt's the first question any new college student gets repeatedly: What's your major?" I watched numerous groups of students choose the same college so they wouldn't be separated. All of this can be more easily achieved if parents and college-bound kids are open to having conversations.

Persons: —, Taylor, it's, I'm, aren't, couldn't Organizations: Service Locations: America

The Education Department is assuring schools and students that its financial aid process is under control, after a botched overhaul over the past year that some colleges say has dented incoming classes. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has vowed that the FAFSA process is being improved after recent missteps. I want to close up [the] Department of Education, move education back to the states. In May, Cardona announced a “full-scale review” of the Federal Student Aid office that oversees FAFSA and promised “transformational changes” at the division. I’ve taken a college and career readiness class from my high school, but it all sounded really confusing,” she said.

Persons: Miguel Cardona, he’s, We’ve, miguel cardona, “ We’ve, ” Cardona, ”, Peter G ., NAICU, couldn’t, ” Mark Becker, Donald Trump, disburses Pell, ” Trump, Elon, Cardona, “ We’re, they’re, ” “, falloff, Beth Maglione, Hanalise Yarbrough, Kristi Childs, Kristi Childs Kristi Childs, Childs, Mason Yarbrough, “, ” Childs, Hanalise, John Jay, she’s “, I’ve, who’s “ Organizations: Department, Education, Federal Student Aid, NBC News, National Association of Independent Colleges, Universities, Education Department, Association of Public, Grant Universities, Department of Education, Republican, Federal, Aid, College, Network, National Association of Student Financial, Madison, Northwest Mississippi Community College, John, John Jay College of Criminal Locations: U.S, DeSoto County , Mississippi, New York City

☆ FAFSA rollout was 'a stunning failure,' college aid expert says. Here's how next year will compare
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

watch nowBy most accounts, the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, was disastrous from the start. Even now, some college students don't know the status of their aid awards for the fall. "The Department's poor planning has led to a stunning failure: Some college students might not have financial aid dollars in their hands in time to start classes in the next few weeks," said Beth Maglione, interim president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Families 'are falling back on borrowing for college'For many families, financial aid is crucial when it comes to covering college costs, which have now crept into the six figures. The share of parents taking out federal parent PLUS loans to help cover the costs of their children's college education has also grown, other studies show.

Persons: Beth Maglione, Education Miguel Cardona, Mark Kantrowitz, —, Kantrowitz, Sallie Mae's, Jennifer Berg, Sallie Mae, " Berg Organizations: Federal Student Aid, National Association of Student Financial, U.S . Department of Education, Education Department, Department, Education, Finance, Harvard, College

☆ FAFSA delays will keep plaguing students for 2025-26 school year—how to maximize your chances of getting financial aid
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Students and their families, along with college financial aid administrators, hoped the 2025-26 school year would be a return to normalcy. Financial aid administrators continue to deal with problems even as the school year quickly approaches. But ultimately, financial aid advocates conceded that they'd rather have a delayed-yet-functional application than an on-time and glitchy one. There's not much applicants can do at this point to ease stress about the financial aid timeline. Still, Vasconcelos shares three tips for incoming or current college students as the upcoming financial aid cycle approaches.

Persons: they'd, Shannon Vasconcelos, It's, Vasconcelos, Vasoncelos, We've Organizations: of Education, Federal, Congressional, Bright Horizons, CNBC, didn't, Aid, Social

☆ I was so focused on dorm room essentials I didn't know I had to do these 7 things ahead of my son's college move-in
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Erika Ebsworth-Goold | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Open a new, nationwide bank accountMy son's been working part-time for several years, and his paychecks go directly to his bank account. Download those rideshare apps now, and make sure they're linked to your kid's new bank card. Check ahead, and if originals are needed, hand them over — but stress the importance of keeping them safe and secure. Make sure they are registered to voteLast but certainly not least, if your incoming college freshman is 18, they're finally eligible to vote. Make sure your child is registered and has a plan for November — and beyond — if attending school out of state.

Persons: —, You'll, he's, Uber, they're Organizations: Service, Business Locations: West Coast, —

☆ Meet the new moms using up to $700 in monthly basic income to afford childcare. It could be the answer to helping parents stay employed.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

They were not required to meet any household income requirements, which are typical criteria for basic income programs. The US has launched over 100 guaranteed basic income pilots — and RxKids joins a growing number focused on families. She told BI that guaranteed basic income lets parents choose a childcare and employment situation that works best for their families. Shamarra Woods, 31, said Atlanta's guaranteed basic income pilot helped her afford daycare for her daughter. Hashash said that guaranteed basic income can help parents cover these childcare costs and build a career with predictable hours.

Persons: —, Celeste, Timlin, Siobhan, It's, RxKids, GBI, She's, Celeste Lord, Shamarra Woods, Woods, Hashash, she's, who's Organizations: Service, Business, Assistance, US, Pilots, Economic Security, ReadyNation Council, Strong, Opportunity Fund, Women, Children Locations: Flint , Michigan, RxKids, Flint, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, America, Atlanta, Georgia

☆ I grew up poor and now make 5 times what my parents did. I help pay their bills without sacrificing my own money goals.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Viviana Vazquez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Seeing my parents struggle took a toll on meI remember my dad borrowing money from loved ones or banks to cover the rent. AdvertisementI had already been helping my family with money for groceries and small bills, but now I wanted to contribute more financially. Establishing boundaries was a big part of my financial journeyMy parents and I haven't always been on the same page regarding money. I didn't do so either time because it didn't align with my financial goals, and my parents weren't very happy with me. For now, I'm focused on sharing my wealth with the people who deserve to enjoy it most: my loving parents.

Persons: —, Viviana, Viviana Vazquez, it's, Xavi, babysat, we'd, didn't, Viviana Vazquez I'm, I've, she'd, there's, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Scholastic, CUNY City College Locations: Mexico, New York, Brooklyn, Baruch

When you complete the FAFSA, your school may offer you any one of three types of federal loans: subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, and Direct PLUS Loans. You will have to pay those back, and these should be your last option as private loans often come with worse terms and protections than federal loans. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the more likely aid will still be available — the pool of money is finite. The FAFSA is your application for federal financial aid. However, federal student loans received through your FAFSA do have to be repaid with interest after you graduate or leave school.

Organizations: Loans, Chevron Locations: Iraq, Afghanistan, Chevron

You can see the amount of aid you may receive using the Federal Student Aid Estimator. The more financial need you have, the higher likelihood you have to qualify for more financial aid. Types of financial aid you might qualify forYour financial aid package will be broken up into several parts: grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Work-studyWork-study is a type of financial aid that provides part-time positions for students with financial need to earn money for academic expenses. Financial aid amount through FAFSA: ConclusionThe amount of financial aid you receive can vary greatly depending on many factors.

Persons: It's, you'll, Pell, aren't, —, I'm Organizations: Federal, Aid

The annual and lifetime borrowing limits on subsidized loans are more rigid than unsubsidized loans. Year Dependent Students Independent Students First-Year Undergraduate Subsidized: $3,500 Unsubsidized: $5,500 Subsidized: $3,500 Unsubsidized: $9,500 Second-Year Undergraduate Subsidized: $4,500 Unsubsidized: $6,500 Subsidized: $4,500 Unsubsidized: $10,500 Third-Year and Beyond Undergraduate Subsidized: $5,500 Unsubsidized: $7,500 Subsidized: $5,500 Unsubsidized: $12,500 Graduate or Professional Student N/A Unsubsidized: $20,500 Aggregate Loan Limit Subsidized: $23,00 Unsubsidized: $31,000 Subsidized: Undergraduate: $23,000Graduate or Professional Students: $65,500 Unsubsidized Undergraduates: $57,500Graduate or Professional Students: $138,500Time limitsFor subsidized loans taken out after July 1, 2013, there is a limit to how many academic periods you can receive funds. Interest rates and feesFor undergraduate students, subsidized and unsubsidized loans charge the same interest rate. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans: ConclusionBoth subsidized and unsubsidized loans can be crucial tools for financing your education. Prioritize subsidized loans, understand the implications of unsubsidized interest, and make informed borrowing decisions.

Persons: You'll, they're Organizations: Education, Department, Federal Student Aid, Chevron Locations: deferment

☆ The end of this tax break could be 'very disruptive' to business owners, expert says — what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-16 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Tax breaks worth trillions of dollars are scheduled to expire after 2025 without extension from Congress — including a hefty deduction for millions of self-employed filers and business owners. The temporary deduction applies to so-called pass-through businesses, which report income at the individual level, such as sole proprietors, partnerships and S-corporations, along with some trusts and estates. Some already regret the decisionLawmakers added the temporary QBI deduction to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to create tax rates for pass-through businesses that are similar to tax rates for corporations. But while the QBI deduction will sunset after 2025, the legislation permanently reduced corporate taxes by dropping the top federal rate from 35% to 21%. For tax year 2021, the most recent data available, there were roughly 25.9 million QBI claims, up from 18.7 million in 2018, the first year the tax break was available, according to the IRS.

Persons: Donald Trump, Dan Ryan, Sullivan, Gen Zers, Howard Gleckman Organizations: Finance, Urban, Brookings Tax, Center Locations: Worcester

☆ How a bad year for college financial aid is shaping these students' futures
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-14 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

However, with a sticker price of nearly $80,000 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board, Montiel-García, like many college hopefuls, needed financial aid to bring the cost down. Because of problems with the new form, financial aid award letters were delayed and some high school seniors, like Montiel-García, had trouble applying for any aid at all. In previous years, financial aid award letters were sent out at about the same time as admission letters, meaning students had several weeks to compare offers ahead of National College Decision Day, the deadline for most admitted students to decide on a college. Because of the extensive delays this year, some students won't get their final financial aid award letter until the end of August, the U.S. Department of Education said in a recent update. The high school graduate from Riverdale Park, Maryland, secured enough additional funding from the Maryland College Aid Processing System to afford his top choice school: Towson University.

Persons: Ramon Montiel, García Ramon Montiel, Montiel, García, —, NCAN, Laura Ipsen, Eric Greenberg, Andrea Garcia, Garcia, Emory doesn't, Mark Kantrowitz, Greenberg, mani Murphy, Murphy Organizations: KIPP, Denver Leadership Academy, Colorado ., KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, Wheaton College, Federal Student Aid, Wheaton, University of Colorado, National College, Greenberg Educational Group, U.S . Department of Education, Emory University, Education Department, Riverdale, Maryland College, Towson University Locations: García, Colorado, Massachusetts, U.S, Montiel, Denver, New York, Atlanta, Ky, Riverdale Park , Maryland, Towson

☆ Rent a car for a road trip, or drive your own? 5 things to consider
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

For some car owners, it might be more financially savvy to rent a vehicle for a road trip than use their own, experts said. Drivers would need to compare total rental costs — the daily rental rate and potential add-ons like insurance — versus those of operating their own car. "Most people will be shocked at what it actually costs to own and operate their car," Brannon said. The cost of rental car insurance might add $30 to $61 to the daily rate, depending on insurance type, according to Allianz Travel, citing MarketWatch data. Car owners may already get full coverage on a rental via their own car insurance policies, or may have some coverage through credit-card benefits, Brannon said.

Persons: Patchareeporn, Greg Brannon, Brian Moody, Autotrader, Moody, Brannon, Hopper, Alistair Berg, Digitalvision, Kelley, KBB, Autotrader's Moody Organizations: AAA, Toyota, Allianz Travel, Finance, Car, Getty, Allianz, State

☆ Romance scams cost consumers $1.14 billion last year. It's a 'more insidious' fraud, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Cybercriminals are targeting wealth accounts by tapping into a victim's emotions. Consumers lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Median losses per person amounted to $2,000, the highest reported losses for any form of imposter scam, the FTC found. "Romance scams tend to be some of the more insidious because they prey on emotions," Kitten said. "They know the different emotional trigger points that we all have, and that's when they strike," Payton added.

Persons: Tracy Kitten, Kitten, Taylor, Theresa Payton, Payton Organizations: Strategy, Research, Consumers, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Netflix, Finance, White House, Fortalice Solutions

☆ The best private and public colleges for financial aid: Some 'have really stepped up,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

watch nowOngoing problems with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid have delayed financial aid award letters — and have even prevented many high school seniors and their families from applying for aid at all. Yale UniversityLocation: New Haven, ConnecticutSticker price: $87,150Average need-based scholarship: $71,577Average total out-of-pocket cost: $15,573 2. Vassar CollegeLocation: Poughkeepsie, New YorkSticker price: $85,220Average need-based scholarship: $61,252Average total out-of-pocket cost: $23,968 3. Williams CollegeLocation: Williamstown, MassachusettsSticker price: $85,820Average need-based scholarship: $70,764Average total out-of-pocket cost: $15,056 4. Pomona CollegeLocation: Claremont, CaliforniaSticker price: $86,814Average need-based scholarship: $65,925Average total out-of-pocket cost: $20,889 5.

Persons: Robert Franek, Yale University Yana Paskova, Stringer, Win McNamee Organizations: Federal, Aid, National College, Princeton, Yale University, Vassar College, Williams, Pomona, California Institute of Technology, University of Virginia, Getty Locations: New Haven , Connecticut, Poughkeepsie , New York, Williamstown , Massachusetts, Claremont , California, Pasadena , California, Charlottesville , Virginia

☆ A Boston college blames pro-Palestinian student protests for lower enrollment
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Amanda Goh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewStudent protests are one of the reasons Emerson College in Boston is facing a decline in enrollment this fall, an internal message to staff stated, per CBS News. In late April, Emerson students set up a pro-Palestine encampment in a public alley next to Boylston Street, following the student protests that started at Columbia University earlier in the month. AdvertisementThe college enrolled a total of 4,149 undergraduate students in fall 2022, 4,117 in fall 2021, and 3,708 in fall 2020, Boston Herald reported. However, declining college enrollment rates could also be due to the changing sentiments of the younger generation. AdvertisementAdditionally, the availability of high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree has also prompted Gen Zs to rethink college.

Persons: —, Jay Bernhardt, Emerson, Bernhardt, YouGov, Zs, Gen Zs Organizations: Service, Emerson College, CBS, Business, Palestine, Columbia University, Protesters, NBC, Boston Herald Locations: Boston, Gaza, Israel, NBC Boston

☆ A private arts college is set to close, citing issues with the new FAFSA — others may follow, expert warns
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Delaware College of Art and Design is set to close, the institution announced on May 23, citing low enrollment numbers for the upcoming school year, due in part to issues with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Experts have continuously warned that ongoing problems with the new FAFSA form have resulted in fewer students applying for financial aid, which could contribute to already declining enrollment. That page was not accessible Wednesday, but can still be viewed through the Internet Archive. Enrollment at DCAD fell to 129 students, a loss of nearly 10%, between 2017 and 2022, according to federal data. "The Board of Trustees has worked diligently to find other funding solutions, but none allow us to overcome the longer-term problem of too few students," Dahlgren added.

Persons: Jean Dahlgren, Dahlgren Organizations: Delaware College of Art, Federal Student Aid, Experts, Federal, Finance, Education Department Locations: DCAD, Wilmington , Delaware

☆ FAFSA problems are hurting students who need financial aid the most
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-18 | by ( Katie Lobosco | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

“You just feel terrible,” said Vanessa Hlavacka, a counselor for multilingual students at La Follette High School. High school ramps up supportOnce the issues with this year’s FAFSA became apparent, La Follette High School ramped up support services for families of college-bound seniors. Some La Follette students from mixed-status families have had success since then submitting the FAFSA, but others are still having problems. Students at La Follette are behind the national trend, but they have had more success filing the FAFSA in recent weeks. It’s a glitch that several other La Follette students have experienced.

Persons: Robert M, “, ”, Vanessa Hlavacka, Annie Hank Braga, La, Hank Braga, FAFSA, ” Hank Braga, it’s, Biden, ” Hlavacka Organizations: Washington CNN, La Follette High School, Federal Student Aid, –, Follette, Racing, La Follette, Opportunity, Department of Education, of Education, Republican, Democratic, National College Locations: Madison , Wisconsin, La, –

☆ 17-year-old got into 2 Ivy League schools—her financial aid package helped her decide where to go
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Facing unknown costs of attendanceAnsah knew she needed financial aid to attend college. "I knew that ultimately the decision of where I'm going to go would be heavily impacted by the financial aid aspect." Typically, when incoming students receive their college acceptance letters, they also receive a financial aid offer if they applied and qualify for assistance. And now, as students are making college decisions, some still haven't seen financial aid offers. But neither of her acceptance letters from Penn or Princeton included financial aid award information.

Persons: —, Ansah, It's, We've, wouldn't, She'd Organizations: Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, CNBC, Ivy League, Princeton, Penn, Federal Student Aid, of Education, Rutgers University, Howard University, University of Maryland Locations: New Jersey, Penn

☆ 529 college savings plans 'are better now than they've ever been,' expert says. Here are key changes for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Whether the funds are for college or vocational studies, she said, "529 plans are better now than they've ever been before and they're more flexible." "There are three pretty significant changes this year," said Vivian Tsai, senior director of education savings at TIAA and chair emeritus for the College Savings Foundation, a non-profit that provides public policy support for 529 plans. Financial experts and plan investors agree that 529 college savings plans are a smart choice for many. Tax deductions or credits for contributionsEven before recent changes, there were already many advantages to a 529 plan. A few states also offer additional benefits, such as scholarships or matching grants, to their residents if they invest in their home state's 529 plan.

Persons: Vivian Tsai, New Roth, beneficiary's Roth, Chris Lynch, they're, " Lynch Organizations: College Savings Foundation, Financial, Finance, CNBC, Federal

☆ Connecticut takes aim at the college affordability crisis — 'We're trying to do everything we can,' governor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Hartford, Connecticut Sean Pavone | Istock | Getty ImagesWhen it comes to improving access to higher education, each state is largely left to its own devices. Connecticut, for example, recently rolled out several programs to establish pathways to college and lower the debt burden. Free college program"We're trying to do everything we can to make education less expensive to start with," Lamont said. Like a growing number of states, Connecticut recently introduced a free tuition program for students attending community college either full- or part-time. In Connecticut, students receive "last-dollar" scholarships, meaning the program pays for whatever tuition and fees are left after federal aid and other grants are applied.

Persons: Hartford , Connecticut Sean Pavone, Anthony Carnevale, Ned Lamont, Here's, Lamont, Joe Biden, Terrence Cheng, Sandy Baum, Baum Organizations: Istock, Georgetown's Center, Education, Workforce, CNBC, Free, Finance, Harvard, State Colleges, Urban Institute's Center Locations: Hartford , Connecticut, Connecticut, , Connecticut

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