Financial Matters: The Overlooked Student Loan Option
Most families only consider federal aid or big-name private lenders. We shine a light on state-based nonprofit lenders — a frequently missed option that could save your family thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. When it comes to paying for college, most families think of two options: federal financial aid and big-name […]
Financial Matters: The A to Z of College Finances
From budgeting and credit to loans, scholarships, and the hidden costs that add up, this guide breaks down what students and families need to understand to manage college finances more effectively. A is for the checking account you’ll want to open. If possible, choose a bank with locations near both home and campus, and make […]
Helping Families Navigate the Emotional and Financial Maze of College Planning
COLLEGE PLANNING Helping Families Navigate the Emotional and Financial Maze of College Planning By Rose Ellen Mocombe • March 25, 2026 GUEST Rose Ellen Mocombe LOCATION Oviedo, Florida FIRM Beyond Ivy Educational Consulting YEARS IN BUSINESS 4 Rose Ellen Mocombe helps families navigate the college selection process. A key first focus is affordability. After […]
Financial Matters: How to Appeal a Financial Aid Award
The joys of opening offers of admission from colleges are sometimes tempered by the challenges of reading financial aid packages that fall short of your hopes for support. Many families read aid packages and are dismayed to see their Student Aid Index (expected family contribution) number to be more than they had anticipated or budgeted […]
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 […]
Financial Matters: Understanding your Financial Aid Letter
You’ve opened the email, logged into the portal, and there it is: your student has been admitted and offered a financial aid package. Relief and excitement last about thirty seconds. Then you start scrolling. Numbers appear. Some seem promising. Others are confusing. Loans and grants blur together, unfamiliar acronyms pop up, and suddenly you’re wondering […]
Financial Matters: Tuition Reciprocity
Picture a student who dreams of studying oceanography but lives in a landlocked state, or a student in California, Texas, or Florida competing for a shrinking number of seats at their state’s public universities. Both want to explore out-of-state options. Both worry about cost. And both are perfect examples of who can benefit from tuition […]
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: 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: Scholarship Scams Targeting Families
As the cost of college continues to rise, it’s understandable that families are eager to find financial aid opportunities. Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and every year, they take advantage of well-meaning parents and students, costing families millions of dollars in lost money and stolen information. You may receive official-looking letters or emails claiming to […]