Financial Matters: Staying Smart in Uncertain Times

College planning is always challenging, but in 2025, things feel especially unpredictable. Costs are rising, financial aid systems are evolving, and many uncertainties remain. It can feel overwhelming for families trying to find the right school for their student, both academically and financially. When approaching college planning, it’s essential to think of college as both […]
Financial Matters: How to Find Colleges That Offer Merit Aid

Perhaps you’ve realized that you won’t qualify for need-based aid after running net price calculator tools or an SAI tool. That can be discouraging. The good news is that many colleges award merit aid, which is money given for achievement rather than financial need. Understanding how merit aid works, how it differs from need-based aid, […]
Financial Matters: Understanding College Return on Investment (ROI)

College decisions are being made in a very different environment than they were a generation ago. Costs have increased significantly, outcomes vary widely by major and institution, and families now have access to more data than ever before. As a result, return on investment, or ROI, has become a more common part of the college […]