Yes, college is expensive. The real surprise: Housing can be pricier than tuition. At public four-year colleges in 2023-24, the average cost for housing and food was $12,770 — higher than the $11,260 for tuition and fees, according to a 2023 College Board report. Students at community colleges and private schools also faced similarly high housing costs.High housing prices can impact a student’s ability to thrive at college or complete their degree. According to a 2019 report by Temple University’s Hope Center in Philadelphia, about 56% of surveyed students said they experienced housing insecurity — including the inability to pay…

The FAFSA Submission Summary is a document containing your estimated financial aid eligibility for the relevant academic year and copies of your responses on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The summary is not an official financial aid offer. Colleges use the information from your summary to create financial aid offers once they’ve admitted you. Here’s what you need to know about your FAFSA Submission Summary and how it factors into your financial aid package.What information does the FAFSA Submission Summary include? The FAFSA Submission Summary provides basic information about your financial aid eligibility, including:Estimated eligibility for the…

Eight million borrowers facing “persistent financial burdens,” such as those brought on by unexpected medical bills, natural disasters or high child care or family caregiving costs, could qualify for federal student loan forgiveness — but it’s not a done deal yet. The Education Department revealed new details of the financial hardship proposal on Friday, Oct. 25, including eligibility criteria and how borrowers could apply for the relief. “For far too long, our broken student loan system has made it too hard for borrowers experiencing heartbreaking and financially devastating hardships to access relief, and it’s not right,” U.S. Secretary of Education…

As interest rates start to soften, you may hear more buzz about student loan refinancing as a way to lower your bills. “Essentially, what it means is you are taking the debt that you owe and you are giving it to another company. They’re going to pay off the debt that you have with the company you currently work with, and then you’re going to pay this new company,” explains Kristen Ahlenius, director of education and advice at Your Money Line, a workplace financial wellness company. For private loan borrowers who can qualify for a better interest rate, refinancing can…