There are people out there who want to take advantage of potential students. Here are tips for avoiding two of the best-known FAFSA scams.

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS

The primary source of funding for college expenses for most students is through the Federal Student Aid Title IV program. The Pell Grant, Federal Work Study (FWS), and subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans all fall under FSA. While these options are great (especially the Pell Grant which does not need to be paid back), there are other, lesser-known options available for college students who need financial assistance.

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS

Dealing with the Federal Student Aid process can be stressful for first-time students, and it does not help that the process incorporates many acronyms. It can be quite confusing for new Federal Student Aid users, so the below list will highlight the major acronyms, provide what they stand for, and briefly describe their function/use.

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS

Parents are responsible for their children through age 18, but should they continue to foot the bill for their children after that age? Or, should parents allow their children to accumulate and manage their own student loan debt? Both sides of the argument are presented below. Which side are you on?

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS

When you start your first semester of college, you will probably have a mixed range of emotions. Surely there will be excitement, anxiety, happiness, and maybe even a little fear. College is not easy, nor should it be. If you follow some of these tips, you should be able to make your first semester (and hopefully every one after that) a major success!

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews

One of the more confusing aspects of filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is determining whether you are an independent or dependent student. These statements will help you understand your dependency status better.

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews

If you are applying for financial aid, one of the most important terms to understand is EFC. EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution, and it is exactly what its name suggests: how much money you and your family can contribute to your college expenses.

By Tangene Umstead
Senior Default Prevention and Compliance Specialist at American Public University

Financial aid was established to assist students with covering the financial difference between their own contribution and the cost of attending college. Get a better handle on your financial situation by first educating yourself on the award letter.

By Shalena Gonzales
Financial Aid Specialist, American Public University

Financial aid is a process that must be completed and renewed each award year. Here are some tips on understanding financial aid that may assist with making the process go a little smoother.