Warning signs of scholarship and financial aid scams, fake FAFSA help and loan forgiveness pitches, free legit searches and where to report.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams: The Warning Signs
The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): How the New Income-Based Plan Works
How RAP payments are set from income, the $10 minimum and $50 per dependent, waived interest, 30-year forgiveness and how it compares.
Pell Grants Explained: Who Qualifies and How Much You Can Get
How Pell Grants work: the $7,395 maximum for 2026–27, the Student Aid Index, part-time and year-round Pell, the 12-semester limit and new Workforce Pell.
The New Federal Student Loan Limits From July 1, 2026
What changed on July 1, 2026: Grad PLUS ends for new borrowers, new graduate and professional caps, Parent PLUS limits and who is grandfathered.
Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What You Give Up With Private
Federal and private student loans compared: 2026–27 federal rates, credit checks, cosigners, repayment plans, forgiveness and when private fits.
The FAFSA, Step by Step: What You Need and the Mistakes to Avoid
How to fill out the FAFSA: StudentAid.gov accounts, contributors and consent, the Student Aid Index, which year’s taxes it uses and deadlines that matter.
Employer Tuition Assistance: The $5,250 Tax-Free Benefit and How to Use It
How employer education benefits work: $5,250 a year tax-free, student loan repayment now permanent, inflation indexing and repayment clauses.
Education Tax Credits: American Opportunity vs. Lifetime Learning
American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits compared: amounts, refundability, income limits, Form 1098-T and student loan interest.
How to Appeal a Financial Aid Offer (and When It Works)
When a financial aid appeal can work: special circumstances, professional judgment, dependency overrides and merit aid, plus what to send.