Financial Aid Archives - The Money Coach

Private College vs Public University Cost Explained

Is a Private College Always More Expensive Than a Public University Out-of-State?

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Abdul Qadeer / college costs, college ROI, Financial Aid, private vs public universities, tuition comparison

Choosing between a private college vs public university cost is one of the biggest financial and academic decisions students face. While private colleges often have higher tuition rates, the true cost depends on financial aid, scholarships, and personal circumstances. Surprisingly, a private college isn’t always more expensive than an out-of-state public university once all factors […]

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The Complete Guide to FAFSA Dependency Status and Parent Contribution Rules

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Abdul Qadeer / College Funding, dependency status, FAFSA, Financial Aid, parent contribution

Understanding FAFSA dependency status is one of the most important steps in securing financial aid for college. Your dependency status determines whether your parents’ financial information must be included on your FAFSA and directly impacts how much aid you may receive. By knowing how parent contribution is calculated and what qualifies you as a dependent

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The Best Savings Plans for College: 529 vs. Roth IRA (The Ultimate Comparison)

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Abdul Qadeer / 529 Plans, College Savings, Education planning, Financial Aid, Roth IRA

When it comes to saving for college, two popular options stand out: the 529 Plan vs Roth IRA. Both of these financial vehicles offer unique benefits and can play a crucial role in funding higher education. Understanding the differences between a 529 Plan and a Roth IRA is essential for parents and guardians who want

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The Difference Between Need-Based and Merit-Based College Financial Aid

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Abdul Qadeer / college scholarships, FAFSA, Financial Aid, merit-based aid, need-based aid

Choosing the right college funding path starts with understanding need-based vs. merit-based financial aid. These two types of aid make higher education accessible, but they differ significantly. Need-based financial aid supports students with financial hardship, determined through tools like the FAFSA, while merit-based financial aid rewards academic, athletic, or artistic achievements, regardless of income. This

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How Does a Student Receive a Tuition Guarantee Program? Explained

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Abdul Qadeer / College Tuition, Financial Aid, higher education, student funding, tuition guarantee program

The Tuition Guarantee Program ensures that students pay the same tuition rate throughout a set period—usually four years—providing consistency and predictability in educational costs. This program helps students and their families plan financially while focusing on academic success instead of rising tuition fees. Designed to make higher education more accessible, the Tuition Guarantee Program offers

How Does a Student Receive a Tuition Guarantee Program? Explained Read More »

Colleges That Waive Out-of-State Tuition: 2025 Full List and Eligibility

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Abdul Qadeer / 2025 college guide, college affordability, Financial Aid, out-of-state tuition, scholarships, tuition waivers

With rising college costs, colleges that waive out-of-state tuition are becoming one of the most valuable options for students seeking affordable education beyond their home state. These waivers allow eligible students to pay in-state tuition—often saving tens of thousands of dollars per year. Whether you’re an academic achiever, a regional resident, or part of a

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How to Get Grad School Application Fees Waived: Step-by-Step Guide

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Abdul Qadeer / college application tips, fee waiver process, Financial Aid, grad school application fee waiver, graduate admissions

Applying to graduate school can be expensive, but understanding how to get a grad school application fee waiver can significantly reduce your costs. Fee waivers help remove financial barriers, making higher education more accessible for students from all economic backgrounds. By learning how to request and qualify for these waivers, you can focus on preparing

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The Shocking Truth About How Colleges Set Tuition Prices

Leave a Comment / Personal Finance / Abdul Qadeer / college costs, endowments, Financial Aid, government funding, higher education, student debt, tuition prices

College education is more expensive than ever, creating major financial hurdles for students and families. Since the 1980s, tuition at public four-year institutions has increased by over 200%, fueling today’s student debt crisis. But what actually drives these tuition hikes? Why do some colleges charge far more than others—and what does the future hold for

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The HUGE Mistake Students Make When Applying to College

Paying for College / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / admissions, applying to college, college, Financial Aid, higher education, tuition

Where you or your child goes to college (in-state or out-of-state) and what type of college you choose (private or public) can make a big difference – academically, socially, financially, and from an admissions standpoint. Yet, many students and parents unwittingly make a big mistake when applying to college and selecting the wrong institution. Picking

The HUGE Mistake Students Make When Applying to College Read More »

The image showcases the words "College Application" in black text with a vibrant green "Approved" stamp above them, reflecting the meticulous planning akin to a financial planner ensuring every detail in your budget aligns perfectly.

10 Crazy Statistics About College Admissions

Paying for College / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / admission rates, College Admissions, college costs, Financial Aid, merit aid

It’s college application season – that nail-biting period when millions of high school seniors are busy applying to colleges and universities all across America. They are not just preparing for college admissions, of course. Students and their families also contemplate the ever-increasing costs of college. For both U.S. and international students, the entire college admissions

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Two people are sitting on the grass, smiling as they jot down notes in their notebooks, crafting a smart budget plan for the future.

A Guide to Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid

Paying for College / AskTheMoneyCoach / Financial Aid, scholarships

As education costs continue to rise, scholarships, grants, and financial aid have become crucial for students seeking access to higher education. This article aims to emphasize the importance of these funding options and provide a comprehensive guide on maximizing opportunities for financial support. Table of Contents Using Essay Writing Services Understanding Scholarships Exploring Grants Financial

A Guide to Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Read More »

A graph labeled "College Tuition" shows an upward trend, surrounded by piles of cash, coins, and gold bars, highlighting the increasing costs associated with attending college. Dream College

Rethinking the Dream: Is Massive Student Debt for a Dream College Worth It?

Paying for College / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / college ROI, College Tuition, dream college, Financial Aid, student debt

Rethinking the Dream: Is Massive Student Debt for a Dream College Worth It? The age-old adage “you get what you pay for” doesn’t always hold true, especially when it comes to higher education. While premium prices might equate to better quality in goods, the same can’t be said for college tuition. The Illusion of Prestige

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Black graduation cap with a red price tag featuring a dollar sign, symbolizing the potential savings from a 529 plan.

Four Reasons to Open a 529 Plan Now

Paying for College / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / 529 Plans, Financial Aid, Saving For College

May 29th is National 529 College Savings Day. A 529 Plan is a state-sponsored college savings plan that can be used to sock away higher-education money on a tax-free basis. Unfortunately, far too few Americans have 529 plans, perhaps because parents sometimes feeling overwhelmed by the ever-growing price tag of a higher education.

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repay your student loans, wrong student loan amount

What to Do If You’re Charged the Wrong Amount for a Student Loan

Student Loans / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / debt management, Financial Aid, loan servicing, payment errors, student loan balance, student loan payments, student loans

Wrong Student Loan Amount: Being charged the wrong amount for a student loan can be frustrating—especially when you’ve made your payments on time and in full. With multiple loan accounts and varying billing cycles, it’s easy for errors to slip through the cracks. Whether your payments have been misapplied or not credited at all, it’s

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A graduation cap, three file folders, and three labeled cards with the words "Grants," "Loans," and "Financial Aid" arranged on a table, highlighting the various financial aid options available for students.

Ran Out of Financial Aid? Smart Ways to Stay in School Without More Debt

Featured, Student Loans / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / FAFSA, Financial Aid, Financial Services, Stafford Loan, Student financial aid

If you ran out of financial aid but still need to finish your degree, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not out of options. Many students encounter financial gaps and assume private loans are their only path forward. But the truth is, you can stay in school without adding to your debt burden. As the author

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