College Planning

Fall is a fantastic season and thoroughly enjoyed by many people. Especially here in New England we enjoy beautiful foliage, crisp cool air, bright sun, pumpkin spice, and football games.

It is also one of the most important times of the year for college planning.

Whether your student is just starting high school, or in the throes of senior year applications and decisions, autumn is the season when key milestones and deadlines come into focus.

To help you (and your student) stay organized and focused, here is a grade-specific checklist of what to prioritize this Fall.

Freshmen (9th Grade): Build the Foundation 

The first year of high school is all about building strong habits and exploring new opportunities

• Get involved: Clubs, sports, and community service are great ways to explore interests and build a future activities list.
• Focus on academics: A strong GPA begins now. Encourage good study routines and time management.
• Meet your high school counselor: A quick introduction helps your student start building a relationship that will matter later, which you can build on.
• Explore interests: Spark curiosity about future careers or colleges without pressure.

Sophomores (10th Grade): Explore & Prepare 

Sophomore year is about exploration and light preparation for what’s ahead

• Try the PSAT (practice): Some schools allow sophomores to take it—it’s low-stakes and helps them get comfortable with the format.
• Challenge yourself academically: If available, honors or AP courses show readiness for rigorous work.
• Start tracking and keep an activity log: Document leadership roles, service hours, or new achievements.
• Career exploration: Attend a career fair, shadow a professional, or use online career tools to discover potential pathways. Or talk to your relatives that have a job you find interesting.

Juniors (11th Grade): The Planning Year 

This is the most critical year for college preparation 

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT: It counts for National Merit scholarships and provides insight for SAT prep.
• Visit colleges: Many colleges have open-house events in the fall—if you can, go in person to the top schools on your list. This is the time to start forming impressions.
• Discuss and Decide on Testing: Decide whether the SAT, ACT, or test-optional route makes sense for your student.
• Research scholarships: Some awards are open to juniors—starting now gives you a head start and possibly an advantage.
• Keep grades strong: Junior year GPA is a major focus of colleges and is weighed very heavily.

Seniors (12th Grade): Application Season 

For seniors, fall is crunch time: deadlines and forms come quickly, so staying on track is essential

• Finalize your college list: Narrow down choices to a list that fits your academic and social interests, school size, geographical location and environment, and overall costs.
• Meet early deadlines: Early Action and Early Decision applications are often due in November.
• Complete financial aid forms: The FAFSA and CSS Profile open in October—apply early to maximize your eligibility.
• Fine-tune your essays: Have a trusted teacher, counselor, or mentor provide feedback before submission.
• Request recommendations: Teachers need plenty of time to write thoughtful letters.
• Stay organized: Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or app to track deadlines and requirements.

Final Thoughts

With each fall season, students have new opportunities to move one step closer to their college goals. By approaching the process by each high school year, students and families can stay on top of priorities without feeling overwhelmed.

Here is another reminder: Don’t forget to take time to enjoy this beautiful season as well! Get out among the colorful trees and grab a hot cider and apple cider donut along the way to the pumpkin patch.

-DC

We have seen lots of changes to the Federal student loan system over the last five years, specifically related to COVID.

The student loan payment system was already complicated before COVID, and during COVID we saw many options for assistance to borrowers such as suspended payments, interest freezes, and some temporary forgiveness plans.

With the passage of OBBBA, we are seeing some dramatic changes to student and parent borrowing limits, as well as increasing payment obligations – especially for graduate student and parent loans.

This may have a significant impact on borrowing strategies for families planning for college. Below we highlight key changes related to college financing resulting from OBBBA.

Borrowing Limits for Graduate Students

• The Graduate PLUS Loan is being eliminated 
• Previously there were no caps on this loan and many graduate students relied on this for financing graduate and medical programs
• The Direct Unsubsidized Loan program will be sole source of Federal borrowing with new lifetime limits
• Pre-existing cap of $20,500 per year for graduate students ($50,000 for professional degrees)
• New Aggregate Limit of $100,000 ($200,000 for professional students)
• New lifetime borrowing limit cap of $257,600 across all Federal loan programs (excluding Parent PLUS)

Borrowing Limits for Parents (PLUS) & Undergrads

• New $20,000 cap per year per child
• New $65,000 lifetime cap per student
• Federal undergraduate student loans remain unchanged at a loan cap of $27,000 for four years, or $31,000 for students who take longer to receive their degree.

New Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) 

• Will be the default for many borrowers
• Calculating monthly payments based on progressive formula tied to Adjusted Gross Income
• Subsidizes unpaid interest (eliminating negative amortization)
• Forgiveness after 30 years of repayment
• All Legacy IDR (Income Driven Repayment) Plans will be phased out by July 2028 

Summarizing the Changes 

There are some impactful and positive changes to the new loan system.

Having less complicated systems for repayment, limits on borrowing per year and lifetime limits will add some guardrails for those parents and students who previously were able to borrow significantly past their means.

For some, the previous situation led to unmanageable debt, and no way to keep up with payments and balances that exponentially increased due to compounding interest.

The new changes from the OBBBA may have a significant impact on both how people plan for financing college, and their overall personal financial planning goals. 

Many families who have not planned well, or who have had the unfortunate bad timing of negative financial circumstances that happen at the same time as college, were able to use easily obtainable loans such as the Parent PLUS loan.

This loan is much less strict for the approval process to the applicant, allowing many parents to borrow tens of thousands of dollars each year for four years for their student, even when it was a bad financial decision for their circumstances.

While these loan changes may create more difficulties for some parents when making a financing plan for their children for college, the overall effect may help them incur less financial burden, and possibly less negative affect on their retirement savings, which some parents sacrifice for their child’s education.

These changes may start to reshape how much students and parents are willing to borrow beyond what is financially sensible for their situation and being driven by the goal of a “Dream School”.

Placing limits on borrowing will hopefully help some families make better college decisions that are based on cost and college funding that makes sense for them.

Potentially we could see a significant reduction in the overall educational loan debt for families in America over time.

-DC

Beginning college planning can be an overwhelming thought for anyone. The thing about college planning is – the sooner you start, the better and calmer you will feel about the whole process.

So, I will say it again… it is ALWAYS a good time to start.

I have met with and counseled many families for their college planning needs, as a financial advisor, and while working at universities.

One common theme I have found in speaking with parents is that many are really overwhelmed and do not know where to start.

Also, many families delay taking the initial steps due to the paralyzing fear of paying the high price of a college education and finding the perfect school for their student.

Some basic strategies listed below are designed to help parents with students of any age as they begin (or continue) to plan and prepare for the college process.

Early Planning and Saving

• Open a 529 College Savings Plan account: This will give you tax advantages, as well as compounding growth over time- even with small contributions. And especially if you can start early.

Start Talking About College – Frame It as a Goal

• Begin conversations about education after high school and explore all options.
• Keep it positive, age-appropriate, and flexible. This approach will help keep you all informed on perspectives as time goes on.

Focus on Academics and Study Habits

• A strong academic foundation is important; it will support the student and allow for further growth during their college career.
• Encourage strong study skills, reading habits and time management early on.
• Good grades and test scores help improve chances of admission.

Get the Student Involved

• Teach the basics of a budget, and the value of saving.
• Encourage part-time work or a summer job to contribute to expenses or savings.

Have Students Get Involved in Interests

• Hobbies, extracurricular activities, volunteering and sometimes sports will help a student develop and find areas of interest.
• This will help build character and leadership skills and prepare for future college applications.
• This also helps a student’s potential for acceptance and merit scholarships. Many schools take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and involvement and leadership roles are highly valued.

Understand Total College Costs

• Begin looking at a variety of public and private schools online and review total Cost of Attendance. It may be shocking when you start out, but it is necessary to be informed before you begin.
• As your student gets older, start to use Net Price Calculators on school websites for estimates of financial aid and possibly merit scholarships.
• Also, when you approach the planning stages in high school, learn how the FAFSA and CSS Profile work.
• FAFSA
• CSS Profile
• Understand the different types of aid, grants, scholarships, loans, work study, etc.

Understand your financial situation and what you can afford

• Be realistic about your budget, what you can contribute and avoid unnecessary debt.
• Start family discussions on expectations early. Be clear on what you are willing and able to contribute to college for your student. This avoids big disappointments late in the decision-making process.
• Apply for private scholarships early and often.
• Here are a few:
• Fastweb
• RISLA
• Scholarship America

College Selection and Prep

• Focus on fit, not prestige.
• Consider multiple types of schools, including in-state schools which offer lower tuition.
• As you get further into the process and start your list, be sure to focus on academic programs, size, campus location and culture, and student activities and support resources.

Prepare Your Student with Good Life Skills

• Help your student with organization for college application season but let them own the process.
• Help by being supportive and help them explore options rather than choosing for them.
• Foster independence by teaching life skills- the basics include laundry, budgeting, and problem-solving.
• Discuss self-care and mental health and how to stay healthy while at college.

While there is much more detail to the college process, if you are beginning to think about college for your student, or you are just starting to get into the steps in the process, hopefully you find some good takeaways here.

Remember this really is a marathon, not a sprint, so try to stay calm and focused but remember to enjoy this time and have some fun as well. It will all go by so much faster than you imagined!

This article, by College Financial Planner Donna Cournoyer, discusses the consequences of the federal funding cuts for US college undergraduate and graduate students.

Graduate Student Challenges

Reduction of Programs, Reduced Admissions

Some of the most severe funding cuts so far have been in the area if graduate research.

The NIH (National Institute of Health) funding is relied upon heavily by top research universities throughout the country for their advanced programs.

This research impacts both the US and global advances in medicine, science, technology, and engineering.

Regarding the consequences of reduced research funding, take Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for example.

MIT announced in May that graduate enrollment will be reduced by 8% (about 100 students) due to federal funding cuts.

Also, the House of Representatives passed a bill increasing the excise tax on college endowments from the current 1.4% to a potential of 21% for the highest endowments. This bill is now in the Senate for approval.

See President of MIT Sally Kornbluth’s letter from the Office of the President on May 20, 2025 warning of the consequences of these challenges being faced across America.

Loss of Assistantships and Research Funding

With agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) facing budget cuts, numerous research projects have been scaled back or canceled altogether.

Many graduate students rely on federal grants for their stipends as well. Graduate students are losing opportunities and needing to shift their education paths.

This also limits some of our best and brightest students from the ability to contribute to advancements in science, engineering, and medicine.

Effects on the “Innovation Edge”

These cuts in federal research funding are pushing some students out of research altogether. Some students are considering international opportunities in countries with a more stable environment for research.

There are also some experts who have expressed a long-term fear of “brain drain,” with the potential for the US to lose its standing as a global leader in innovation and scientific excellence.

It is possible that the changes in funding may have the long term effect of dulling the edge the US has as a global leader in innovation.

Undergraduate Student Challenges

Potential Cuts to Federal Student Aid

The federal Pell Grant Program projects a $2.7 Billion shortfall for the 2025 fiscal year. This could mean cuts to the program in 2026. The federal Work Study program could also be facing cuts.

This is especially hard on students from first-generation and low-income backgrounds. With federal cuts, many schools will not be able to increase their grants to make up the loss of federal aid for these students.

This may mean some of these students will not be able to attend college at all.

Budget Cuts, Declining Campus Services, Hiring Freezes & Layoffs

The federal funding cuts are causing schools to face tough decisions on budget cuts, layoffs and hiring freezes. This impacts a broad range of services and support available to students.

Public universities are facing budget cuts that are resulting in larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and halted facilities improvements. This can hinder academic success for students.

Increased Costs & Delayed Graduation

Some students may not be able to afford full-time enrollment, and may have to extend their studies, incurring more debt and delaying graduation and employment.

Federal Policies on International Students

Proposed bans on certain categories of foreign students and visa restrictions are hindering admissions for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Many universities rely on international students for cultural diversity and for funding, as most international students receive no aid and pay tuition in full.

Without these full-paying students, endowments and budgets will be more stressed.

The Road Ahead for Institutions

Without policy reversals and sustained federal investment, institutions are responding in a variety of ways.

Universities are looking at reallocating endowment funds, which is not always easily done, as these funds are closely linked to budgets and donors are often very specific on the use of funds given.

Some institutions are seeking additional private funding and philanthropic partnerships.

And there are several universities seeking policy reversals.

Conclusion

Federal funding cuts in 2025 mark a pivotal moment in American higher education.

Without restoration of federal funding, both undergraduates and graduate students are at risk of losing affordable, high-quality education and research opportunities that benefit their educational goals and their future.

Reduced federal funding also bodes ill for the future of US innovation across a variety of fields and may well have negative effects for the future path of US economic growth.

Right now, our policymakers, educators, and the public are faced with confronting the long-term risks of underfunding the very systems that cultivate the nation’s intellectual and professional capital.

-DC

The following article from our colleague and college financial advisor Donna Cournoyer is addressed to graduating high school seniors.

Your upcoming graduation from high school is a big deal- a REALLY big deal. Congratulations!

Now is the time when one chapter closes as you prepare for another. While it’s quite exhilarating, it can be a bit overwhelming, too. Don’t worry – you are not alone. Your future college classmates are also preparing for the transition this coming fall.

Here’s how you can get ready for college, with a few helpful tips from students who’ve been where you are:

Embrace Your Independence

College is a big step toward becoming your own person. You’ll be managing your own time, choices, and responsibilities – everything from planning your meals, your schedules, and of course your classes.

“Learning to do laundry before I moved in saved me from a lot of headaches—and colorful T-shirts,” says Emma, a sophomore at the University of Vermont. “College felt less overwhelming once I stopped waiting for someone to tell me what to do and started figuring things out for myself.”

Start with something practical this summer, like creating a budget, and managing any money you make by working a part-time job. Save what you can for spending money this fall.

Keep Your Study Habits Sharp

In college, it is likely that your classes will be moving faster and be more in-depth than high school. It is helpful to find what study methods help you most, such as group sessions, flash cards, or digital tools.

“In college, no one checks if you’ve done the reading. You’re expected to show up ready to talk about it,” says Jordan, a first-year student at a liberal arts college. “Learning how to study smarter—not longer—was a game changer.”

Start Making Connections

Start now. Don’t wait for move-in day to meet people. This helps take some of the fear of the unknown out of the equation, if you make a few new friends before you meet in fall.

Join the social media groups your school has set up for incoming freshmen. Message your roommate, attend the virtual meetings to meet some of your classmates.

“A girl I met on the college Discord server ended up being one of my best friends. We bonded over our love for Taylor Swift before classes even started,” says Aisha, a freshman at a state university.

Get Practical

From having health insurance cards to dorm shopping, there are a lot of logistics to tackle before move-in day. Make a list (or more), and don’t be afraid to ask older students what they wish they had packed- or left at home!

“I brought too many clothes and not enough extension cords,” laughs Max, a junior.

Also, know how to access your student portal and make sure your paperwork, such as immunization records, financial aid, and payment plans are squared away.

It helps to see some familiar faces when you step on campus.

Prioritize Your Well-Being

College life can be amazing, but also stressful. Make your mental health a priority. Get familiar with campus resources like counseling centers, academic support centers, student activities centers. Even wellness apps can help.

“I didn’t expect to feel homesick, but I did,” shares Leah, a second-year student. “Talking to someone—even a campus peer counselor—helped a lot.”

Remember, you are growing, you don’t need to have everything figured out! That is what college is for.

Final Thoughts

Summer this year is more than a break: it is really a launching pad. Take time to rest, plan, and dream. You are heading into one of the most impactful periods of your life. Full of life-changing experiences, discoveries and connections that will last your lifetime.

You, the Class of 2025, have already made it through a lot! Now is your time. Go out, learn, connect and experience the world around you.

“College will help you realize who YOU are. Your life will begin to take shape, and the meaning of your life will start to emerge.” -Donna

-DC

The following article was contributed by our colleague and college financial advisor Donna Cournoyer 

May 1, commonly known as National College Decision Day, marks the deadline for high school seniors across the U.S. to commit to the college they plan to attend in the fall. With multiple acceptance letters in hand, this decision can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

Here are some key considerations to help students and families make a confident choice.

1. Revisit Your Priorities
Start by reflecting on what matters most to you. Academic programs, campus culture, location, extracurricular opportunities, class sizes, and internship pipelines can all make a big impact on your college experience. While prestige and high rankings are nice, make sure the school aligns with your goals and values.

2. Compare Financial Aid Offers and Merit Scholarships Awarded
Cost is a major factor for many students. Lay out all the financial aid packages you’ve received, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study options. Calculate the net cost (not just the tuition sticker price) and consider long-term debt implications.

Merit scholarships (non-financial need funds) are especially important if you do not qualify for financial aid. If you are considering a school that does not offer merit scholarships, be sure to know the full price you will be responsible for.

Be sure to have a four-year financing plan in place, not just a way to “make it through paying for year one”.

3. Attend Accepted Student Events
Many colleges offer virtual or in-person events for admitted students during April. These are great opportunities to ask questions, meet future classmates, and get a real feel for the campus environment.
Have your questions ready and seek out those who can help to give you important information to help you make this decision.

4. Talk to Current Students and Alumni
Hearing honest perspectives from current students or recent graduates can offer insights you won’t find with college brochures and marketing materials. Those leading the tours are going to “sell” you on choosing their school, usually no matter the cost.

Be sure to ask about academic rigor, social life, career support, and anything else important to you.

5. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, this is your decision. You might not have all the answers, and that’s okay. Consider where you felt the most comfortable, excited, or inspired. Your instinct can be a powerful guide.

Final Tip: Don’t Miss the Deadline

Once you’ve made your choice, be sure to submit your enrollment deposit by May 1 to secure your spot. Also, notify the schools you’re not attending so they can offer spots to wait-listed students.

Choosing a college is a milestone—and while it’s a big decision, it’s just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Take a deep breath, weigh your options, and take the next step with confidence. By this time, you have put in the hard work both in high school and in your college search.

Finally, celebrate your decision. This is a major milestone! Enjoy the remainder of senior year and rest up this summer (maybe work to earn a few extra dollars) so that you are ready for move-in day this fall.

Additional Pointers for Parents

Right now, you are not alone. Many families across the country are working together to help their high school seniors make one of the most important decisions of their academic journey: choosing which college to attend. As a parent, your guidance, support, and perspective can play a vital role.

Here’s how you can help your student make a thoughtful, confident choice:

• Now is the time to remind your student about their priority list and to help them focus on where they will thrive. While attending a school of prestige has certain attractions, the reality is that most of the time, other schools on their list will offer everything your student needs to have a great career and make connections that will last a lifetime.
• Hopefully you have already had a conversation about finances. However, now is a good time to review with your student their financial responsibilities, including costs, loans, etc. It’s also important to discuss what you are willing to finance as their parent. Be sure it is a realistic plan and makes sense for all of you. If it is not a smart decision financially, it may be wise to consider another choice.
• Offer support, give guidance and perspective, but give your student space to use their own judgement. Your reassurance can go a long way to helping them feel confident and excited about the way forward.

Best of luck to students and parents in making the big decision!

Our colleague and college specialist Donna Cournoyer shares her thoughts on the shake up at the Department of Education, and what it means for colleges and universities, and students

When the new administration took office on January 20, they swiftly took action, making big changes to multiple US government agencies, including the US Department of Education.

Layoffs, mass firings, and talk of eliminating some departments altogether. The US Department of Education is at the top of that list.

Linda McMahon was confirmed on March 3 as the next Secretary of Education, seemingly with the sole purpose of dismantling the entire US Department of Education.

As of March 6, President Trump is expected to issue an executive order soon- aimed at abolishing the Education Department, according to people briefed on the matter, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

However, it appears that eliminating the department would take an act of Congress.

 Background

What is the US Department of Education?

Federal agency created by Congress in 1979

• Responsible for overseeing education policies and programs across the country
• Employs more than 4,000 people
• Annual budget of $79 Billion
• Overseen by the US Secretary of Education

Main Roles of the US Department of Education

 Funding for US Public Schools

While most funding comes from state and local governments, the US Department of Education provides between 6-13% of funding for public schools, according to a 2018 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

• Title I-Helps serve lower-income communities. In 2023, the Education Department received more than $18 billion for Title I.
• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)-Provides money to help districts serve students with disabilities. In 2024, the department received more than $15 billionfor IDEA.

Created by separate acts of Congress, Title I was signed into law in 1965, and IDEA signed into law in 1975. It is highly unlikely that these acts would be undone. An act of Congress would be needed, and they have broad bipartisan support.

Tracking of Student Achievement Through the “Nation’s Report Card”

The department oversees the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) known as the “Nation’s Report Card”.

• Congress mandated this assessment in 1969, and tests students in reading, math, science and other subjects
• It also offers insights into attendance, economic conditions, and students’ educational backgrounds
• Educators, policymakers, and researchers use this data to work toward improving the K-12 education across the US

Oversight of Federal Grants and Federal Student Loans for College Students

The department manages federal aid programs, including Pell Grants and student loans which helps students afford higher education.

Key Functions Include:

• Managing the federal student loan portfolio, approximately $1.6 Trillion, including oversight of outside contracted companies who manage the loans.
• Managing the FAFSAapplication (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs for college students.
• More than 17 millioncurrent students and new applicants fill out the FAFSA each year.
• FSA (Federal Student Aid) provides approximately $120.8 billion in grant, work-study, and loan funds each year to help students, and their families, afford a college education.
• This includes $33 Billion in Pell Grants for low/middle-income undergraduates.
• The FSA also prevents fraud and abuseby ensuring that schools and borrowers comply with federal regulations to prevent financial mismanagement.

Data Collection on Colleges and Students

Through the IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the US Department of Education gathers independent research, statistics, and evaluations of colleges throughout the country. Schools are required to complete detailed reports each year.

• This information helps students and parents analyze and compare different schools through admissions statistics, academic outcomes, graduation rates, need-based eligibility data and more.

Although the current administration has said it would close the Department of Education, and return “all education, and education work and needs back to the states”, it is already up to the states and local agencies to determine what is taught in classrooms. The department does not dictate what is taught at K-12 schools, colleges, or universities.

Recent Changes to the Department of Education Since the Inauguration and Their Potential Implications

Repayment of Federal Student Loans

If federal student loans face disruptions, students may have to move to private lenders, where they may be subject to higher interest rates and fewer repayment or forgiveness options.

• The current administration has already paused applications for some income-driven repayment plans.
• If the administration moves the loan repayment for the $1.6 Trillion in loans to another agency, such as the Treasury department, (an idea that has been discussed) it likely won’t be a quick or smooth process.
• The future of the loan repayment plans is unsure, students could see a higher monthly payment if the plan options change.
• One extreme possibility is the privatization of the entire student loan system, which would have wide-spread financial implications for loan holders.

University Research Funding Proposed Cuts

The current administration has proposed significant reductions in federal funding for university research, particularly targeting the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Legal Actions have been initiated. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of the 15% cap on indirect cost reimbursements.

Despite the legal challenges, this has created widespread concerns among research institutions.

• Stanford Universityhas implemented a hiring freeze with leadership citing the potential NIH funding reductions and increased taxes on large private university endowments as factors necessitating these precautionary measures.
• Rice University anticipates that this will jeopardize critical projects, including innovative cancer treatments and detection technologies. They warn that without sufficient support for indirect costs, they may be faced with difficult choices of raising tuition or halting certain research endeavors altogether.

These proposed cuts pose significant challenges to universities, and could disrupt essential research, lead to job losses, and potentially affect the ability of the US to have a competitive edge in global scientific and technological arenas.

Other broader implications beyond individual universities, is a growing concern that reduced research investment could hinder scientific innovation and diminish the US global leadership in technological advancement.

Some analysts caution that this may allow other nations, notably China, to surpass the US in critical areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Federal Grants and Loans- Eligibility and Processing at Colleges and Universities

• The FAFSA has already gone through a horrible two years of a new form rollout. Changing oversight of this form, (a possibility) or eliminating the US Department of Education, would likely result in more upheaval of the application process for college students.
• Eligibility –It is unsure at this point if any actions will be taken to change how eligibility is calculated by the FAFSA form.

 Federal Employee Layoffs or the Elimination of the US Department of Education

• Fewer employees at the department and FSA (Federal Student Aid) could mean a disruption of the processing and flow of Federal aid including federal grants and student loans.
• Note that federal aid resources such as Pell Grants and student loans are established by Congress, and an executive order to end them is not a legal option and highly unlikely.
• If the processing of federal aid changes hands, this may cause significant challenges for the timely disbursement and processing of aid for students.

Final Thoughts

As an insider in the Higher Education sphere for much of my career, I understand the processes and intricacies of how colleges and universities operate on many levels.

Colleges are run like a business and rely on tuition to meet budgetary needs. Any federal cuts can have significant impacts.

Endowments (the funds collected from donors) are designed to be a permanent source of income and are used to make long-term investments.

These funds are used to sustain the operating costs and to offer discounts on tuition to attract students to enroll. If other funding is reduced, more strain may be put on endowments going forward.

Financial aid offices coordinate the awarding and disbursement of funds through many systems to get the funds for students disbursed in a timely manner while also complying with federal regulations.

During a time when colleges are still rebounding after the pandemic, and enrollment is on a steady decline due to a shrinking birth rate.

Along with FAFSA application issues, the upheaval caused by the current administration’s decisions, particularly to the US Department of Education, will likely creating more challenges.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, seventy-four colleges have closed, merged, or announced plans to close, according to bestcolleges.com.

Institutions may become even more unaffordable, research and learning opportunities may be of less quality, and the already complicated, opaque process of applying to college is likely to become even more challenging and complicated.

The biggest immediate effect for students likely will have to do with financial aid.

Many fewer employees at the Department of Education (or of its demise) will make the processing and disbursement of federal funds challenging and likely create disruption and delays. Exactly how this plays out is yet to be seen.

As students and families approach applying to college (and for those in college), it is a good practice to remain informed, particularly as significant changes are likely on the horizon.

Seeking professional advice when possible and keeping calm as you approach college planning will pay off when it comes time to make the four-year commitment, and decide on financing options.

-DC

Our colleague and college specialist Donna Cournoyer contributed the following update for college planning

Searching for private college scholarships is not always viewed as an effort with a lot of pay off – no pun intended!

Considering high college costs, complicated preparation and application processes, and jam-packed schedules, many students and parents don’t feel like private scholarship dollars are worth the extra effort and time.

I strongly believe, however, that most college applicants should dedicate some time researching and applying for private scholarships before college, and continue to do so during their college years as well.

There are many private scholarships available, and if you use a targeted approach, it can pay off.

The Search

What types of scholarships are available?

Private scholarships are awarded by many different types of businesses, organizations, schools, and other entities based on a variety of criteria.

These criteria may include academic achievements, artist talent, athletic talent, leadership roles, career aspirations, a written essay, and many more.

When you begin to consider searching and compiling a list of private scholarships you will apply for, think about your personal strengths and interests and abilities and how those have shown through in high school, and focus on these along with your intended area of study if you have chosen a path and a major.

This will help you sort through the many scholarships available, and help you with a targeted approach.

When to Apply

Start doing research in your junior year in high school and make a list with application dates and deadlines to be ready for your senior year.

Senior year– Applications open during a wide time range- anywhere from November to submission deadline of sometime through about April for the following Fall college start.

Once you start your college freshman year, many colleges have internal, non-financial need scholarships available to apply for in your second to fourth year. Some can be major specific, or GPA based, etc.

Be sure to find the office who awards them. Start by asking your financial aid office (if it is not them, they will know where to direct you to). You can also search for private scholarships as well. Do this during your winter break.

Where to Apply

First, check your high school guidance office and your school website– they are likely to have information on many local scholarships.

Use recommended sites for your search, from trusted college advisors, high school guidance staff, etc.

Use ONLY free scholarship search sites. If a fee is requested, move on. Qualified sites do not charge a fee.

Check the websites of the colleges and universities you are applying to– they will likely have scholarships you can apply for as well that are outside of merit scholarships.

BEST SOURCE: Local Scholarships from local businesses and organizations- Inquire at local groups, organizations- social, religious, etc., that you belong to or may know you and your family. There is less competition than online national databases.

• Download my list of qualified search sites here to begin: Private Scholarships

Why It’s Worth It

A few $200-$500 scholarships may seem inconsequential when peering up at the high costs of college.

However, there are plenty of opportunities to receive scholarships with higher dollar amounts attached, and they can add up.

If the time researching and applying is targeted and well spent, it may be fruitful in turning up additional significant resources for college, which is beneficial regardless of your financial situation.

Every dollar you receive in scholarships means a lower out-of-pocket cost for college, and therefore a greater opportunity to save and invest or increase spending capacity for other necessary items.

Other Tips for High School Students

• When essays are required, write your own. Do not have a parent or adult write them and do not use AI. It will be noticed and could get you disqualified!
• Write your personal story from the heart. Write about your personal struggles and triumphs, growth and dreams. Let the committees get to know YOU.
• You can build these essays from your college admission essay. Use the work you have already done (hopefully) and create your scholarship essays from the considerable thought you have already given to your admission essay, and tailor for each scholarship application.
• Think of applying for scholarships as a part-time job. Once you receive some awards, think about how many hours you have spent working on applications, and do the math: it is likely a decent return.

This work itself will help prepare you for college, because it helps build skills with regard to time allocation, organization, research, self-reflection, and more.

All the work and preparation done in high school is a resource to help you shine on your scholarship applications.

Good Luck!

-DC

A new year often brings with it a chance to review and renew plans and aspirations and to take action on important items and goals.

January is a good time to solidify college planning goals and to start taking action on steps toward the goals you have for seeing your student off to college.

It may seem like a long way off, but the next year and a half likely will be a blur!

Junior year is important for admissions applications, so keep your high school Junior’s focus on their studies and activities.

Here are some steps you can add to your checklist and start completing now:

January-March

• Register for Spring SAT and/or ACT exams. Consider the SAT Subject Test.
• Make a list of important criteria for which college you will attend: do you want a large university? A small community? What majors interest you? What sports and activities? Are there unique services you need? Will the school have these? What is the Cost of Attendance? And so on.
• Make your college list and find out when they have Spring tours- begin visiting schools on your list. Start with the closer schools.
• Do some online research on your school list and see if they measure up to your criteria and find out all you can and make lists of comparisons, including price!

April-May

• Finish your year well! Keep your grades up- schools will be requesting your junior transcripts for college applications.
• Consider adding activities to your schedule if you are not involved in many.
• Continue to visit colleges. Many Open Houses are in Spring. Make any travel plans ahead of time, if needed. Make a list of questions to ask beforehand.
• Read some college applications so it is not all new to you in Fall.
• Make a list of potential people you may want to ask for letters of recommendation. Teachers, employers, counselors, etc.
• Explore summer opportunities for work and include college campuses if you are near one.

For more information on checklists for Summer, Fall and Senior Year, please see previous articles:

• College Planning in the Summer: A Focus for High School Seniors
• Seniors: Financial Aid & Admissions Checklist + Tips for College Applications

-DC