Posts by Chris Wills
Asset protection allowance down sharply
As if paying for college wasn’t hard enough for families, the amount of assets you are allowed to have that are exempt from the federal financial aid formula plummeted by 29% from just a year ago and a stunning 60% from 10 years ago. First, a quick overview of the asset protection allowance: The general concept is…
Read More6 Steps to Admissions Success online course
Do you have questions about applying to college? Taught by CIT’s Dr. Matthew Andrews, our free course helps students and parents walk through the essential steps to prepare and apply for college. The course introduces 6 steps with instructions, worksheets, and lectures that explain how to apply for admission to college. Information in this course includes hyperlinks to resources,…
Read More6 Steps to Admissions Success eBook
Written by CIT’s Dr. Matthew Andrews, this eBook teaches students, parents, and mentors the essential 6 steps of college applications with strategies to improve an applicant’s chances of admission to college. The book includes instructions, worksheets, and explanations on how to apply for admission to college. Information includes hyperlinks to websites to search for colleges,…
Read MoreMOO regional meeting slide show 7-14-16
Click the link below to download Chris Wills’ slide show from the MOO regional meeting on July 14, 2016. CIT Chris Mutual of Omaha power point
Read MoreCollege costs even more than you thought it did
NPR has a helpful article on little-known costs of college. My two favorite takeaways: 1) Students living at home aren’t always saving money because they get less access to aid, and 2) Financial aid calculators overestimate how much parents can pay. Take a few minutes to read their 6 key findings.
Read MoreNew FAFSA rules help grandparents contribute
With future FAFSA forms now using tax returns from two years prior (known as “prior prior” in the college world), that adds another year that family members can help pay for college without it negatively affecting financial aid eligibility. First, some quick background: The three main factors used to calculate financial aid eligibility are Non-retirement…
Read MoreConsider these 3 things before making your college decision
CIT was featured in the Pioneer Press and TwinCities.com with 3 important things students should consider before making their college decision.
Read MoreJay on the College Checklist Podcast
In this episode of The College Checklist Podcast, Jay Benanav discusses the financial aid appeal process. Appealing financial aid something that not many families know they can do. However, it can be as simple as writing a financial aid appeal letter and asking for what you need to make that school financial feasible for your family. Of…
Read MoreReading, writing and reducing college debt: Expert helps students manage costs
CIT’s work helping families reduce college debt was featured in the Elk River Star News.
Read MoreHow incoming college students can negotiate tuition costs
CIT was featured on Fox 9 TV regarding its work helping families negotiate the cost of college.
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