Dependent vs. Independent Student For Financial Aid

In recent years, many colleges and universities have adjusted their campus pet policies to meet the changing needs of students.Having a pet in college was once a rarity, but pet-friendly campuses are now more common as colleges work to create a more supportive environment for their students.That said, having a pet as a college student is a big commitment in terms of financial responsibility and time commitment. From explaining common pet policies to reviewing current trends on campuses, we break down the ins and outs of owning a pet as a college student to help you make the most informed decision for you and your pet!

Ever wonder which schools are considered "Ivy League", and where the term came from?Ivy League schools are an elite group of eight private universities based in the northeastern U.S., best characterized by their historical campuses, rigorous academic programs, and strong alumni networks.From explaining the term “Ivy League” to discussing the current global influence of this network of schools, we’ll walk you through the history of Ivy Leagues over time, including how they’ve impacted higher education and how relevant they are in the current age of expanding access to college.

It can be confusing to understand whether you're a dependent or independent student for FAFSA and financial aid purposes.Given the current cost of higher education, college students need all the help they can get when paying for college. There are a variety of different ways to pay for college, including paying your own way, scholarships, grants, and student loans.Nearly all forms of financial aid start with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form that is made available by the U.S. government. And one of the key sections of the FAFSA form is determining whether you are a dependent or independent student.

Getting an inheritance is the epitome of a mixed blessing. You receive a financial windfall, but the cause is the death of a loved one. On top of complicated emotions, you may be dealing with the largest sum of money you’ve ever seen.Nobody is born knowing how to handle an inheritance, and few people are prepared to handle one. But if you’ve received an inheritance, you can take a few steps to use the money wisely.

College meal plans are a way to prepay for your meals while on campus. This can be a convenient way to get food, as most college dorm rooms do not have kitchens. Depending on the college, they may offer a variety of different college meal plans, ranging from pay as you go to an all-inclusive meal plan that covers all of your meals.

If you're looking for additional funds to pay for college, you may be looking at Federal vs. private student loans.After you're admitted to college, you’ll receive a financial aid package that breaks down your cost of attendance minus any grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid you’re eligible for. This financial aid package includes federal student loans.Many students choose to cover their college expenses with Federal student loans, but it's not the only way (or you may need to borrow more than Federal loans offer). You can also use private student loans. There are pros and cons to consider before going the private route, but it might be the right decision depending on your financial situation.We explore the differences between federal vs. private student loans and what you should consider before signing on the dotted line.

Sharing a living space with someone for the first time, whether it’s your best friend or a total stranger, can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. There’s a lot to navigate that exists outside of your control: habits, personalities, cuisine, culture, and a number of other lifestyle factors shared in a tight space.You’re not alone in your concerns, though, and it’s likely your roommate has been thinking something similar. Finding harmony in your college roommate experience requires a number of soft skills to foster a positive relationship and safe living environment. And I bet that if thousands of students have successfully navigated this before you, you can do it, too!Here are our tips for living with your first college roommate!

Social Security (SS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) are three federal benefit programs that can provide income to Americans who aren't able to work. SS, SSI, and SDI are all are managed by the Social Security Administration.Each of these programs, however, have different purposes and eligibility requirements. However, when it comes to taxes and financial aid, it can be confusing to understand how each work. For example, do you need to include SSDI benefits received on the FAFSA?But how exactly do these programs work? And how do they play into your tax bill? In this article, we’ll look at each one and their impact on your paycheck, taxes, and FAFSA.

A common question we see every year is "can you take out more student loan debt than you need?" It sounds crazy, but some people want to take advantage of the low fixed costs and loan forgiveness options than may come in the future.With the rising costs of tuition, fees, and college living expenses have made financing a college education increasingly difficult.The fact remains that most of us will apply for student loans at some point in life. And while loans provide essential financial support at an important time, they come with significant responsibility and long-term implications.So how much do you really need? And how much should you accept? Making informed financial decisions now can truly set yourself up for success later, and student loans are a great example of this. So read on to start building good financial habits!

With college becoming more expensive, how can parents afford to send a kid to school?More than a decade after completing college, 7% of Millennials still have more than $50,000 in student loan balances. Facing our reality of digging out of debt and knowing our friends' horror stories, many millennials are motivated to help their kids get through college debt-free. While we can’t promise that you’ll be able to help your child avoid debt, we’ve got realistic tips to cover the cost of college from the day your child is born to after they graduate.