College Admissions with Calm, Clarity & Confidence

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

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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

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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, […]

Guide to FAFSA

College Affordability
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.