4 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…

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FAFSA changes

FAFSA changes passed by Congress

  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…

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Financial Aid Formula Changes

income protection allowance rising

  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…

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Insider tips for the week of October 8, 2022

10 FAFSA mistakes to avoid – The FAFSA opened on Oct. 1 and is now available to be completed by 2023 HS grads. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid, courtesy of the Dept. of Ed. College admissions are stressful enough, don’t make it worse – Allison Slater Tate provides a healthy reminder to…

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FAFSA changes for financial advisors

  Check out the following video from College Inside Track President Chris Wills providing a helpful overview of the new changes to the FAFSA that financial advisors need to know about, as they will require new planning strategies for many clients

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FAFSA change for small business owners

small business owner

  Add small business owners to the group of people impacted by the upcoming FAFSA changes for the 2023-24 school year. Currently, the value of any privately held business, including assets, with less than 100 employees does not need to be reported on the FAFSA as part of its small business exclusion. This includes a…

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Insider tips for the week of November 8, 2021

college bullseye

   How to find good schools…for you – Rick Clark writes an excellent article about how to find right-fit schools. Click here to read some questions you should answer while determining if a college is a good school for you (and see a picture of a crazy-flexible 10-year-old).   Big changes to financial aid and…

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Big changes to financial aid and college savings plans

KARE 11 TV logo

  College Inside Track was featured on KARE 11 TV discussing the upcoming FAFSA changes. In the KARE 11 interview, CIT’s Chris Wills said four big changes are coming to the way parents and students apply for financial aid and save for college. #1: The Application is Getting Smaller and Easier to Fill Out #2:…

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