College Admissions with Calm, Clarity & Confidence

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November calendar surrounded by fall decorations. College application timing can affect your financial aid

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Did you know that when you apply to college can affect how much money you end up paying?  Students often focus on whether or not they should apply under a binding Early Decision option, but overlook how applying later in the cycle can limit their chances of receiving certain types of financial aid.  Some colleges […]

When You Apply to College Can Affect How Much You Pay

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The Department of Education announced on November 14, 2024 that the FAFSA 2025-26 is available to all students through the Beta test version. This means any students can apply for federal financial aid for the 2025-26 college academic year through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students and their “contributors” (aka parents submitting […]

FAFSA 2025-26 Available to All Students

College Affordability
Graduation cap on a pile of $100 bills. FAFSA 2025-26 Now Open

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College affordability matters. Understanding college costs and financial aid works should be one of your first steps in making a college list. This is a long article, but I want to give you a strong overview of college costs and financial aid, so you are prepared to consider your options. Think about your family budget, college […]

College Costs and Financial Aid

College Affordability
Graduation cap on a pile of US money. Text reads: College Costs and Financial Aid. Logo of Admissions Decrypted

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If you have a high school student, maybe you’ve noticed articles about FAFSA. Maybe you’re worried about completing it so you can get a financial aid offer. Maybe you are just wondering, “What is FAFSA?” This guide explains what FAFSA is, why it matters, and where to get help completing it. As of January 2024, […]

Admissions Decrypted Guide to FAFSA

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FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA 2024-25 (for the college academic year that starts in Fall 2024) opened December 31, 2023 in a soft launch. This revised form reflects changes to the format and the formula used to calculate eligibility for need-based financial aid. These FAFSA tips will help you finish […]

FAFSA Tips 2024-25

College Affordability
If parents are married to each other financial information from both is required. If they did not file taxes jointly, then both are contributors and both will need to provide information and sign the FAFSA. If they filed taxes jointly, only one parent is required as a contributor. If parents are not married to each other, but live together, both are considered contributors and must complete FAFSA individually. If parents are not married and don't live together, the parent who provide more financial support than the other will be the contributor and must complete the FAFSA. If the parent providing the most support has remarried, the stepparent will also be considered a contributor.