Paying for College
Free college for low-income Minnesota students
College Inside Track was featured on KARE 11 TV discussing the new Minnesota law that will make college free for low-income students. In the KARE 11 interview, CIT’s Chris Wills said around half of U.S. states have similar programs, some of which cover all state colleges and universities, and others only cover community colleges. …
Read More4 mistakes families make that increase the cost of college
While the rising cost is certainly a factor, it is often the decisions that families themselves make that cause them to unnecessarily pay more for college than they should (and potentially increase student debt). As hard as it might be, there are instances where a family needs to recognize a college-related decision will cost them…
Read MoreCollege Inside Track’s Education & Partnerships lead, Cozy Wittman, presents at FPAs
It’s been a busy couple of months for College Inside Track’s Education and Partnerships lead, Cozy Wittman! She spent Valentine’s Day with the Central OH FPA discussing the coming FAFSA Changes so advisors are able to help their clients. This past week, she spent a blustery Friday with the Indiana FPA sharing pertinent information on…
Read MoreUnderstanding the College Financial Aid Award Letter
College Inside Track’s Cozy Wittman was featured in the Journal of Financial Planning, discussing ways to create transparency for families in the college funding process and better understanding the college financial aid award letter. Cozy explains in detail the college financial aid award letter, tips after receiving it, elements of good and bad letters…
Read MoreFAFSA changes
The COVID relief bill passed at the end of 2020 also included some significant changes to the FAFSA. The changes go into effect for the 2024-25 school year. The FAFSA for that school year opens on October 1, 2023 and will use tax information from 2022. And because the FAFSA is completed each year…
Read More529 Plan Funds can be rolled over into Roth IRAs
By Heidi King, College Inside Track Tucked into the year-end federal spending package was a new provision allowing 529 Plan funds to be rolled over into Roth IRAs tax and penalty free. This significant change takes effect in 2024. Here are the key details: The benefit is for 529 plan beneficiaries (as opposed…
Read MoreNew bill allows unused 529 college funds to become a retirement tool
College Inside Track’s Heidi King was featured on Yahoo Finance discussing new rules allowing 529 Plan funds to roll over into Roth IRAs tax and penalty free. Beneficiaries of 529 plans can begin to take advantage of the changes in 2024.
Read MoreFinancial Aid Formula Changes
The FAFSA formula that determines how much financial aid a family will qualify for is undergoing two behind-the-scenes financial aid formula changes for the 2023-24 school year. These changes are in addition to the massive changes happening for the 2024-25 school year for families with multiple children in college, grandparents, etc. First, the good…
Read MoreFederal Student Loan Forgiveness Applications Open
Student loan forgiveness applications open The Department of Education has launched a beta test of its application website for those seeking debt relief. Federal student loan borrowers can now submit applications through the Department’s beta mode website. Borrowers who submit their applications now will not need to resubmit them once the Department of Education begins…
Read MoreStudent Loan Forgiveness Details
Here is a Q&A with College Inside Track President Chris Wills regarding the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan: Chris, there’s been a lot of publicity around the Biden-Harris Administration’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan. I just received my first alumni parent text on the topic: “How do we get the Biden Loan Forgiveness…
Read More