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Insider Tips for the week of August 2, 2025
Big Beautiful Bill expands 529 Plans – The Big Beautiful Bill expanded the uses of 529 Plans and continues the policy trend of making them easier and more attractive to use. Check out all the new ways they can be used. Is college worth it? That’s the wrong question – Preston Cooper writes that instead of asking if…
Read MoreStudent Loan Borrowing Limit Changes from the new budget bill
The new budget bill has overhauled ways students and parents borrow for college. Here is a summary of the many student loan borrowing limit changes. New student loan borrowing limits for federal loans go into effect July 1, 2026. Note that the student loan changes below only apply to federal loans from the government,…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of July 12, 2025
New student loan rates – The Dept of Education announced the updated student loan rates for the 2025-26 school year, which go into effect on July 1. Undergraduate Direct Loans: 6.39% Graduate Direct Loans: 7.94% Parent PLUS Loans: 8.94% Crazy New Wrinkle to College Admissions – Jeff Selingo explains a new phenomenon of last-minute deal making, resulting from the…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of June 7, 2025
Student loan changes – CIT’s Chris Wills was featured on WCCO Talking Points discussing the potential changes to student loans. 10 essential skills for college success – CIT’s transition to college expert, Paige Feldman, explores the skills students need to thrive in college. If your student could benefit from more personalized support while in college, CIT now offers a College…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of May 10, 2025
Does a college acceptance rate matter? – Students and parents often fixate on the admission rate for a college as an indicator of the school’s education quality. But does the admission rate really matter? Finding meaningful summer activities – Summer is a golden opportunity for students to contribute to the story of who they are, what they value,…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of April 5, 2025
Are summer programs worth it? – You are likely receiving marketing materials for summer programs from colleges and wondering, “Are these worth it?” and, “Will this increase our student’s chances of admission?” There are several benefits to summer programs, but certainly no guarantees. Let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons. How to find what you want…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of March 8, 2025
Understanding the college financial aid 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…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of February 8, 2025
Misleading college financial aid letters – New federal research finds that colleges are failing to give accepted students clear and standard information about financial aid packages, leading to a number of negative consequences. Check out the article from NPR and be sure the issues highlighted aren’t affecting your family. Why you were denied – Jon Boeckenstedt, VP of enrollment…
Read MoreGuidelines for student loan repayment
By Cozy Wittman, As the price of college continues to climb, for many, loans will need to be part of the larger strategy to pay for school. How to pay those back should be an important part of the discussion when the student takes out the loans. Guidelines for debt payback can help a…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of January 11, 2025
Change for small business owners – Add small business owners to the group of people impacted by recent college financial aid changes. Take a minute to read our latest article. Choices and options – a blueprint for college admission – Georgia Tech’s Rick Clark says the ideal situation is to have multiple offers of admission and financial aid packages from those…
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