Articles

The blog

Longer pieces on money, assistance, and the practical details our guides do not have room for.

LIHEAP Energy Assistance for Students: What You Actually Qualify For

LIHEAP energy assistance for students explained: who qualifies, what income counts, how student loans are treated, and how to apply before funds run out.

April 28, 2026

Veteran reviewing GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon financial aid documents at a desk

Yellow Ribbon Program: How to Supplement Your GI Bill Benefits

Yellow Ribbon Program fills tuition gaps the GI Bill can't cover. Learn who qualifies, how school matching works, and how to claim your slots before they're gone.

April 28, 2026

Family reviewing college financial aid documents at kitchen table

How to Calculate Your Family's College Contribution

Family college contribution explained: learn how the SAI formula works, what income and assets count, and how to legally lower your number before FAFSA.

April 27, 2026

Two diverging paths on a university campus symbolizing the split between merit and need-based financial aid

The Future of Merit Aid vs Need-Based Aid in College

Merit aid vs need-based aid is shifting fast. Learn who benefits, why colleges favor merit awards, and what the enrollment cliff means for you.

April 27, 2026

Diagram illustrating enrollment intensity levels from less-than-half-time to full-time

How Part-Time Enrollment Affects Federal Financial Aid

Part-time enrollment changes your federal aid more than you think. Learn how Pell Grants, loans, and SAP rules work for part-time students in 2025.

April 27, 2026

Illustration of a FAFSA form highlighting the Student Aid Index calculation with a 529 savings account icon

How 529 Plans Affect Your FAFSA: What Every Family Needs to Know

How 529 plans affect FAFSA financial aid in 2026: asset assessment rates, grandparent account rules, CSS Profile differences, and strategies that work.

April 26, 2026

Student completing FAFSA application before deadline

Iowa Financial Aid Programs for Students: What's Available and How to Get It

Iowa financial aid programs explained: ISU grants, state scholarships, FAFSA deadlines, and the money most students never claim. Stack aid and pay less.

April 26, 2026

Kansas state capitol building with a calendar showing the April 1 FAFSA deadline

Kansas FAFSA Deadline 2026: Your Complete State Aid Guide

Kansas FAFSA state deadline is April 1, midnight CST. Learn every Kansas state aid program, eligibility requirements, and how to maximize your award.

April 26, 2026

Side-by-side tuition cost comparison for community college, public university, and private university in 2025-26

Community College vs University Cost: What the Numbers Actually Show

Community college tuition averages $4,150/year vs $11,950 for public universities. Full 2026 cost breakdown, net price data, transfer strategies, and ROI.

April 25, 2026

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