Financial Aid
The UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
Qualifying students can take advantage of a new program from the University of California called the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. For California residents whose families earn less than $80,000 per year, this plan will cover your educational and student service fees. Why Did UC Create the Blue and Gold Plan? The University of California…
What is the Berkeley Middle Class Access Plan and Who Qualifies?
In December 2011, UC Berkeley announced the Middle Class Access Plan, or MCAP, a financial aid program targeted towards middle-class families. With over half the students at UC Berkeley already receiving some form of financial aid and tuition rates on the rise (rates have doubled in the past 6 years), the school sought a way…
To Appeal or Not To Appeal
Whether or not to appeal financial aid award offers is a question many students face this time of year. Maybe the award offer was not as much as you anticipated, or perhaps your circumstances have changed since you filed your application. There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to…
USNews: 5 Hints to Compare Financial Aid Award Letters
Last year, USNews posted a fantastic article about factors to consider when making the final college selection. Here’s what the article says: It’s crunch time for families in the college selection process. The admissions decisions are in and, with two weeks remaining before the May 1 reply date, students are now turning their attention to…
Cal Grants: Keys to Qualification
If you are looking into ways to finance your student’s college education, Cal Grants are a great option for those who qualify. They offer up to $12,192 per year for college expenses at any qualifying California college, university, career or technical school. Best of all, unlike student loans, Cal Grants don’t need to be repaid….
Prepare Your CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®
While the CSS PROFILE® is required for only about 20 percent of private colleges, for students applying to those schools the application can be overwhelming. Many high school guidance counselors spend most of their time preparing students for submission of the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (which is required for all schools,…